Thursday 23 November 2017

On Stage: Gorillaz at Ziggo Dome



Everything surrounding Gorillaz is a spectacle. The cartoon band created by Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett has become a big name, one that is associated with diverse and exciting music, dazzling use of multimedia and spectacular shows. Maybe the latest Humanz album was a bit of a disappointment, although I think it is still one that is very enjoyable. This summer I watched the band on a live stream of the Gorillaz festival Demon Dayz and know that tonight's show simply cannot disappoint.

Gorillaz at Ziggo Dome Amsterdam, November 21 2017


Right before the sold out show there's a happy vibe among the people and everyone is eager to see this long awaited concert. The crowd is just as colourful as Gorillaz' music, with people of different age, colour, countries and background. It is clear that this music unifies people which is a nice thing to notice. The lights go out and we hear the intro of 'M1 A1' and its familiar "hello".



Of course the big screen will show stunning visuals and parts of the music videos. It's funny to see how older videos have a lower resolution and look more grainy. In a few songs it will show the guest singers like D.R.A.M. in 'Andromeda' and Jehnny Beth in 'We Got The Power'. Fortunately there are a many guests live on stage as well like Little Simz in 'Garage Palace' and De La Soul who are firing everyone up in 'Feel Good Inc.' Peven Everett is impressive in 'Strobelite', Jamie Principle and Zebra Katz give a wonderful performance in 'Sex Murder Party'. There's so much going on that you hardly know where to look. The band is amazing with a 6 person choir giving some of the songs a gospel feel, where all musicians are working so hard and show a lot of heart.



Damon Albarn himself is looking very pleased too with the people surrounding him. He must be in heaven with so many great musicians around him, even though he's the biggest star on this stage. With his melodica he joins in on the fun as well, playing beautiful versions of 'Melancholy Hill' and 'El Mañana' back to back. What an amazing musician he is, who never fails to impress. There's a special homage to his dear friend Bobby Womack who passed away a few years back, as his face is shown in the disc shaped screen all the way up. Gorillaz are leaving no one out and let everyone join in on the fun. After twenty songs it's not over by far and we get a six song encore.



'Demon Days' closes the night with everyone going at it one more time and the screen shows the stained glass window of a church. It was a high mass today, a big celebration and a feast for the senses. Gorillaz explores the entire world of popular music and still knows how to make it sound as a whole. When we leave the venue we can only see happy faces around us. It's the magical touch of Gorillaz.



All Pictures

Official Website | SoundCloud | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter | Spotify


Setlist:
01. M1 A1
02. Last Living Souls
03. Rhinestone Eyes
04. Tomorrow Comes Today
05. Every Planet We Reach Is Dead
06. Saturnz Barz
07. 19-2000
08. Superfast Jellyfish (with De La Soul)
09. On Melancholy Hill
10. El Mañana
11. Dirty Harry (with Bootie Brown)
12. Strobelite (with Peven Everett)
13. Andromeda
14. Sex Murder Party (with Jamie Principle and Zebra Katz)
15. Out of Body (with Zebra Katz)
16. Garage Palace (with Little Simz)
17. Punk
18. Stylo (with Peven Everett and Bootie Brown)
19. Feel Good Inc. (with De La Soul)
20. We Got the Power (with Little Simz)
Encore
21. Cloud of Unknowing
22. Hong Kong
23. Kids With Guns
24. Clint Eastwood
25. Don't Get Lost in Heaven
26. Demon Days


Read more!

Wednesday 22 November 2017

On Stage: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club @ Paradiso



"Whatever happened to my rock n roll?" you can hear in the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club song of the same title. In that song off their debut album they are actually not referring to music, but you wonder what happened after that album debuted with a bang. Everything they did after that is measured up to that epic debut, but the band doesn't seem really bothered by it. They consistently release new music and visit my hometown when they do.

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club at Paradiso Amsterdam, November 20 2017



I saw them play a few times before, but only on festivals and never in a club show. The sold out Paradiso turns out to be the perfect place for this band to excel. Their dark and noisy rock is totally working out here. The band is like a diesel engine, that needs a bit of time to warm up, but once it's running there's no stopping it.



Their songs are mostly building up in the same way. Slowly the guitars and drums are blending in until the fire is igniting. Sometimes they will make it explode, but ever so often they let the fire smoulder and make it higher at will. Peter Hayes and Robert Levon Been are taking turns on vocals and even at one point switch bass and lead guitars. Leah Shapiro is the steady force who gives them a solid foundation, confidently playing the heavy grooves without any unnecessary finery.



We get treated to over 2 hours of greasy rock songs where Been addresses the crowd a few times, laughing at the people who are shouting. Halfway the band leaves and only Been returns for a solo acoustic performance of 'The Line'. When he leaves again, Hayes walks on stage again for his solo performance of 'Complicated Situation'. The fans are having a great time, forming a small pit in front of the stage during the wilder songs. The whole floor turns into a sweaty dancing mob, when the band closes the night with 'Whatever Happened to My Rock 'n' Roll'. This band answered it convincingly themselves, since they are keeping rock and roll alive. I'm definitely looking forward to their new album Wrong Creatures that is coming out in January.



All Pictures

Official Website | SoundCloud | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Spotify

Setlist:
01. Little Thing Gone Wild
02. Bandung Hum
03. Beat the Devil's Tattoo
04. Ain't No Easy Way
05. King of Bones
06. Berlin
07. Conscience Killer
08. Haunt
09. Question of Faith
10. White Palms / I Don't Wanna Be a Soldier (John Lennon cover)
11. Stop
12. Carried From the Start
13. The Line
14. Complicated Situation
15. Shuffle Your Feet
16. Awake
17. 666 Conducer
18. Rifles
19. In Like the Rose
20. Six Barrel Shotgun
21. Spread Your Love
Encore
22. Red Eyes and Tears
23. Whatever Happened to My Rock 'n' Roll


Read more!

Tuesday 21 November 2017

Helldorado festival



After Dutch rock band Peter Pan Speedrock disbanded, they also stopped organizing the Speedfest festival in their home town Eindhoven. I attended the last edition two years back and it's a shame the festival will no longer take place, since in the overcrowded festival landscape there aren't many of these kind of rock festivals, focusing on heavy rock. Fortunately co-organizer Paaspop wanted an alternative and now there's Helldorado in the same weekend in November and on the same location, the Klokgebouw Eindhoven.

According to the organizers it won't be a Speedfest 2.0, but when you look at the music line-up it's not that far off. Focusing on heavy rock in the broadest sense of the word, ranging from rock 'n roll to stoner and everything in between, it does have a large overlap. When entering the big old factory building, it immediately feels familiar and it seems to have the same kind of visitors. It does have other "freaky" acts like a haunted house, a comedy club, metal wrestling and a knife thrower but you still get a similar vibe as Speedfest. But who cares if it is or isn't anything like it, it's the music, good friends and the beers that count. We can only catch the last couple of songs of Komatsu's set, so not much to say about that, but we're in time for the next band on our program.

Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown


Hailing from Nashville with Aerosmith's Bad Whitford's son Graham on guitar, you kind of get the picture of this band. Indeed it's classic hardrock and southern rock in the style of AC/DC, The Black Crowes and indeed, Aerosmith. Singer Tyler Bryant apparently needs to warm up his vocal chords as his voice isn't great in the beginning but gets a lot better during the show. We get treated to plenty of guitar shredding, drum rolls and loud howls, followed by a few blues songs in between. Of course there are many bands like this and it's far from original, but these guys do it very well. After their show we wander around a bit, watch Dead Elvis for a minute, which of course is nothing but a cheesy gimmick and isn't really entertaining. To the bar!



Official Website | SoundCloud | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Spotify

La Muerte


I did see this band before and was a bit disappointed, since I read good things about them. Musically it packs plenty of fun with heavy riffs and a very tight band that knows how to handle the Motörhead inspired rock. But I just can't really get into the grunting vocals of singer Marc Du Marais, that are just impossible to understand and sound too much alike. Together with Marais "jute bag” mask, the band has got their dark and mysterious act down with candles and little altars on stage, but once again it simply doesn't work for me.

Official Website | Facebook | Spotify

Tigre Blanco


At the other stage Dutch gypsy rockers Tigre Blanco are getting ready for their set. It's an acoustic performance with a few acoustic guitars and a cajon. All the ingredients for a hot gypsy party you'd think, but it doesn't really get the crowd going. It doesn't really get my blood boiling either. According to the band themselves it is "Tarantino music", but I don't think that is entirely right as it misses the tension. The band looks skilled enough but fails to energize the crowd and drag them into their performance. This way the party never gets started and kind of dies out in the end.

Official Website | Facebook | YouTube | Spotify

Monomyth


I've been dying to see Dutch psych rockers for a long time, since I really like their long heavy and spacy jams. There's a new guitar player in the line-up, Boudewijn Bonebakker, but that doesn't change much to their sound. It's an amazing trip that takes you through stoner and krautrock, that will make you slip in a trance. You forget where one song ends and the other one starts, it could be one or ten (they played three by the way). The band plays a very focused and convincing set and it sucks you right into their music. Together with the beers that are starting to do their work, this trip is perfect.



Official Website | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Spotify

Birth of Joy


It's time for a band that keeps it going and Birth of Joy are here to do exactly that. Of course I know what to expect from them as I've seen them play several times. The threesome doesn't disappoint at all. Once again they impress with great sounding rock music and incredible handling of their instruments. With big rock riffs, stunning drum grooves and dazzling organ solo's combined with a lot of heart and effort, this one of a kind band shows how it's done. A new album is underway and I'm looking forward a lot to hearing it and see them play again.



Official Website | SoundCloud | Facebook | Twitter | Spotify

Lords of Altamont


After returning back to earth we are having fun with Lords of Altamont, who play a mix of punk, sixties garage and glam rock. The band do a great job with guitars and an organ going wild on gritty sleazy rock music. It is not missing its effect and it is the right band to keep this party going.



Official Website | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Spotify

Orange Goblin


The heavy stoner rock of Orange Goblin is totally different. The impressive stature and voice of singer Ben Ward go well with the slow and deep grooves of their songs. When the music slides into doom metal, it's not really my cup of tea, but this band plays a very solid and tight show altogether.

Official Website | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Spotify

Red Fang


I really want to see Red Fang, which means I have to skip Fifty Foot Combo, the surf rock band from Belgium that I like so much. Hopefully I can catch them again some next time. Fortunately Red Fang doesn't disappoint for a bit. The stoner metal songs are sharp and filled with hooks, so they sound heavy and catchy at the same time. It gives the songs a lighter touch and a sense of urgency. Vocals alternate between grunt style and clean singing, which works very well. There's a nice tempo in their set, because of the speedy grooves in their songs. It is a good slap in the face for anyone that may have been dozing off.



Official Website | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Spotify

Triggerfinger


Belgian rock band Triggerfinger are no strangers to this place and are back with a new album Colossus. The trio have expanded into a quartet live on stage, to be able to expand on their sound. It s the direction they have taken on their solid new LP, adding extra layers to their sound. Although the grooves are still heavy, it does seem to make them less deep though. I'm not sure if it has improved their live set, but there could be some beers in the way to hear it properly. I will have to listen more closely when I see them again in a few weeks time.



Official Website | SoundCloud | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Spotify

This has been a fun day with lots of rock music, beers and dear friends. Although not all music was that interesting, there were plenty of bands that I like and especially the combination of good company made it great. The "freaky" edge of this festival, with the non-musical acts, give it a loose vibe and plenty of tongue in cheek. Together with some well chosen bands, that don't take it all too seriously, it adds the roll to the rock and that simply is a lot of fun.

All Pictures

Read more!

Wednesday 15 November 2017

On Stage: Future Islands @ Paradiso



After the sudden success of their previous album Singles, Future Islands were able to come up with a new one that didn't disappoint. The Far Field wasn't a lot different but they continued where it left off and wrote another bunch of good songs expanding on their sound. By now their live reputation has been established and a fun night is guaranteed.

Future Islands at Paradiso Amsterdam, November 13 2017



Of course all eyes are on singer Samuel T. Herring who stole so many hearts with his amazing dance moves and his sincere performance. Herring is a story teller and uses music to get them across. Not just the way that songs are stories in themselves and the lyrics, but also the way he's singing them. He will portray the songs with his lively performance, stretching his hands out to imaginary people on stage, putting imaginary things in his mouth or pulling them out.



Herring, who now looks like Jack Nicholson halfway his transformation in the nineties movie Wolf, gets more and more into his role during the show, dripping with sweat after a while. The man is a delight to watch, the way he passionately performs the songs with grunts, audible slaps on his chest and his famous monkey dance. He will drop to his knees, jump up and down in faster parts and at one point slides head first to the side of the show. You would almost forget about the rest of the band who are almost invisible, playing with him in the background. It is maybe a bit unfair to them but I'm sure they are comfortable with their part in the band and the man in the spot light.



Let's not forget the music, that is both dark but also has a summer vibe to it at the same time. The warm synth sounds make sure it doesn't get all sad and desperate, but become melancholic most of the times. The tracks from several albums aren't too different from each other but still are varied enough. Of course people still react to big hit 'Seasons' but also show plenty of love for the other songs including new songs like the singles 'Ran' and 'Cave'. At several moments the applause and cheering keeps going for a long time after the end of a song, showing how much Paradiso has embraced this band tonight. Herring slaps his fist on his chest a few times to return the love.

All Pictures



Official Website | SoundCloud | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Spotify

Setlist:
01. Beauty of the Road
02. Before the Bridge
03. Time on Her Side
04. A Dream of You and Me
05. Walking Through That Door
06. North Star
07. Ran
08. Balance
09. Long Flight
10. Cave
11. Through the Roses
12. Give Us the Wind
13. Ancient Water
14. Inch of Dust
15. Seasons (Waiting On You)
16. Tin Man
17. Spirit
Encore
18. Black Rose
19. Beach Foam
20. Vireo's Eye
21. Little Dreamer


Read more!

Tuesday 14 November 2017

On Stage: Queens of the Stone Age @ Ziggo Dome



Queens of the Stone Age's Josh Homme seems a different person these days. He used to be quite a tough guy, even on stage, but ageing and a horrific experience during knee surgery a few years back changed him. When the world seems to be on fire, he and his band respond with a Mark Ronson produced record to dance to and forget about all the worries for a moment. So on a Sunday night we head to the Ziggo Dome to join Homme and his friends for a dance.

Queens of the Stone Age at Ziggo Dome Amsterdam, November 12 2017



This is exactly what Homme tells us during his little speeches in between songs. "Tonight is Saturday night" and "I want you to dance, drink and shagg". He wants us to forget about yesterday and to not think about tomorrow. He looks very relaxed and in a good mood. With a cigarette and a drink he declares his love for this country and city once more, calling it “the true land of the free”.



Surrounded by flexible light poles, the band cuts through their catalogue, playing a tight rock show like we're used of them. Homme's voice is clear, Troy van Leeuwen's guitar playing sparkling and the rhythm section is killing it. A few years ago when we saw drummer Jon Theodore join in for the first time, it felt completely natural and now it seems as it never was any different. What an incredible drummer that guy is and together with bassist Michael Shuman it is a killer combination. Dean Fertitia is the one who's filling up the missing pieces, adding guitar and keys.



Indeed the new songs are perfect for dancing and it is simply impossible to resist the catchy grooves of 'The Way You Used To' and 'Feet Don't Fail Me Now'. They have a more poppy sound and a lighter touch than the older material but it's not so far from a song like for example 'If I Had A Tail'. With a career spanning over twenty years, the band has evolved a lot, but still the songs from the seven albums go well together. Old ones mix perfectly with new ones and golden oldies like 'Avon' sound just as good as ever.



Homme is in a chatty mood tonight, although not all of his stories make sense. He gives out some advise or tells about what drives him now he's older. The man who is the image of cool tells us being cool is actually caring about something instead of pretending not to care. It proves the way he changed and it suits him very well. This relaxed attitude flows back into their music on their latest LP Villains and in their performance tonight. It is good to see that this band has grown so big for a good reason and I'm sure have plenty up their sleeves for many years to come.



All Pictures

Official Website | SoundCloud | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Spotify

Setlist:
01. If I Had a Tail
02. Monsters in the Parasol
03. My God Is the Sun
04. Feet Don't Fail Me
05. The Way You Used to Do
06. You Think I Ain't Worth a Dollar, but I Feel Like a Millionaire
07. No One Knows
08. Avon
09. The Evil Has Landed
10. Turnin' on the Screw
11. Smooth Sailing
12. Domesticated Animals
13. Make It Wit Chu
14. I Appear Missing
15. Villains of Circumstance
16. Little Sister
17. Sick, Sick, Sick
18. Go With the Flow
Encore
19. Head Like a Haunted House
20. Un-Reborn Again
21. I Think I Lost My Headache
22. A Song for the Dead


Read more!

Monday 13 November 2017

On Stage: Millionaire @ Paradiso Tolhuistuin



Sometimes it is so good to find out a band will return that you haven't heard from in a while. We didn't hear from Millionaire, kind of Tim van Hamel's personal project, in around ten years. Earlier this year they were back with a new album and I got to see them twice at festivals. But now I finally could see a full show again.

Millionaire at Paradiso Tolhuistuin Amsterdam, November 11 2017



I'm sure glad this band is back since both those performances tasted like more! The one at the ITGWO festival was a bit awkward as it was in the middle of a hot sunny afternoon and not many people made it to the main stage where the band was rocking hard. Tonight the venue across the water in Amsterdam isn't sold out but has filled up nicely. 45acidbabies does a great job warming us up with hooky electro punk rock songs. We're so ready for Millionaire now on this rainy Saturday night in November!



The Belgian band doesn't need much time to warm up themselves and light the fire immediately from the start. It's good to see I'm not the only one who is eager to see them play again as people start rocking and dancing right away. Tim van Hamel is a delight to watch with his crazy moves. Better even, his guitar playing is incredible with screaming solos and big heavy riffs, backed up by a tight band.



Of course there are plenty of Queens of the Stone Age references in the groovy rock songs and van Hamel must get tired of questions about his relation to Josh Homme who helped him out in the beginning of Millionaire's career. By now he doesn't need his help any more, as he's talented and skilled enough on his own to play inspired rock music. The songs on the new LP Sciencing are catchy and heavy, and full of twists and turns that can make your head spin. Best of all they are great to dance to, so van Hamel must have picked up that from Homme.



It is simply too hard to stand still with songs like 'I'm Not Who You Think You Are' or the mysterious 'Little Boy Blue'. Of course they kick out a head splitting 'Champagne' as well. Yes, it is so good to have this band back again.



All Pictures

Official Website | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify

Read more!

Sunday 12 November 2017

On Stage: Spoon @ Paradiso



American band Spoon keep knocking out one excellent album after another, without repeating themselves and always changing their sound. Their most recent one Hot Thoughts has a great electronic dance vibe to it and I couldn't wait to see them live again. Since Spoon is at its best when the band is on stage.

Spoon at Paradiso Amsterdam, November 10 2017



The group is in great shape tonight. Singer Britt Daniel mentions they are happy with the response here in Amsterdam as he apparently has mixed feelings about the past couple of shows. Indeed the band looks very pleased tonight and is in great shape. They play a cross reference of their amazing catalog including plenty of new songs. Of course they can't ignore killer hit songs like 'I Turn My Camera On' and 'The Underdog'.



Despite all the different kind of songs and variation in sound on their albums, it still is a coherent show they play. The band is so skilled at understanding the dynamics of a song, sometimes going full force with loud guitars, then taking it back again focusing on synthesizers or simply taking a minimalistic approach. But it always carries their unique signature.

Daniel is a charismatic front man that can draw all attention to him, but who will also step away from the spot light to let the rest of the band shine. Often he will drop to his knees to enlarge the dramatic effect without overdoing it. If you look closely there's a lot going on and Spoon is a smooth running machine. This band is absolutely amazing with so many good songs and an incredible live performance, which always makes it a pleasure seeing them play.



All Pictures

Official Website | SoundCloud | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Spotify

Setlist:
01. Do I Have to Talk You Into It
02. Inside Out
03. I Turn My Camera On
04. WhisperI'lllistentohearit
05. The Beast and Dragon, Adored
06. Don't You Evah
07. Do You
08. Via Kannela
09. I Ain't the One
10. Everything Hits at Once
11. Can I Sit Next To You
12. My Mathematical Mind
13. Don't Make Me a Target
14. The Underdog
15. Got Nuffin
16. Black Like Me
Encore
17. I Summon You
18. Metal Detektor
19. Hot Thoughts
20. Rent I Pay


Read more!

Saturday 11 November 2017

On Stage: Warhaus @ Paradiso Tolhuistuin



The side projects of the Balthazar members have proven to be more than worth it and show where Balthazar is coming from. Every single one of them is different but bear elementary pieces of their successful band. Maarten Devoldere's Warhaus already released its second album that sounds just as wonderful as the first one and tonight we can hear those new songs live.

Warhaus at Paradiso Tolhuistuin Amsterdam, November 9 2017



Devoldere started this project by himself and got his girlfriend Sylvie Kreusch to join him down the road. By now he has formed a solid band around him that now is playing the songs with a lot of power. Since the last time I saw them a year ago the songs sound even better. The grooves sound even more sultry and laid back, while Devoldere's lazy vocals float comfortably on top.



The new self-titled LP continues where the first album left off, not really exploring any new ground but adding more of those sexy songs to their catalog. The band adds samples and sequences to the mix to replicate the songs of the albums, creating that dark night club atmosphere that suits this music. Devoldere's girl-friend Kreusch acts as femme fatale and dances at the back of the stage continuously, showing tempting moves. She's maybe overdoing it a bit now and then but it spices up the show. At the same time she adds backing vocals that also spice up the songs.



It is clear Devoldere is a creative and talented musician that is full of ideas. It won't be long until Balthazar will come back from hiatus and he will be busy again. Hopefully he will find time in the future for Warhaus, since this is a project that I would like to hear a lot more from.



All Pictures

Official Website | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Spotify

Read more!

Tuesday 7 November 2017

On Stage: Wolf Alice @ Melkweg



Things are moving fast for British band Wolf Alice, who are starting to make it big in their home country, selling out larger venues every new tour. Their new album Visions Of A Life proves that is for a good reason, where they didn't repeat themselves but broadened their sound instead, moving between hard grunge to mellow pop rock.

Wolf Alice @ Melkweg Amsterdam, November 3 2017



Across the canal things are progressing a bit more slow although the last time I saw them play, it was in the much smaller Bitterzoet venue. Now they are on at the biggest stage of the Melkweg and despite the many British fans it hasn't sold out. It did fill up nicely though and the young band treat us to a solid show.



The band looks very professional and confident on stage. They could have chosen a much easier road in their music, going for big stadium anthems. But instead they show diversity and intelligent songs that are well written and have plenty of variety. It is something that becomes clear tonight as well. Instead of knocking out big banging rockers one by one, they play a nice mix of hard rocking grunge songs like 'Yuk Foo' and 'Fluffy' alternating with quieter ones like 'Don't Delete The Kisses' and 'Planet Hunter' that ask more of their audience. The band are showing a lot of progress and don't have to rely on explosive parts to please their fans.



Despite some moments during their set where the band doesn't choose to go for the easy pleasers, they make sure to never lose the crowd. Singer Ellie Rowsell keeps her distance from the crowd but has enough charisma to keep the attention, while it's bass player Theo Ellis who keeps firing up everyone when he feels their attention is slipping. Sometimes the group does go into one of their heavier songs to give the crowd exactly what they want but not all the time. Especially the new songs pack enough variety in itself to keep it going. The band is teasing a lot and this way makes sure they don't run out of steam before the end of the show. It's only a matter of time before this band will conquer the whole continent. It may take a few more years and a couple of records but I'm sure by then they will be one of the bigger acts.



All Pictures

Official Website | SoundCloud | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Spotify

Setlist:
01. Heavenward
02. Yuk Foo
03. You're a Germ
04. Your Loves Whore
05. St. Purple & Green
06. Don't Delete The Kisses
07. Formidable Cool
08. Silk
09. Lisbon
10. Planet Hunter
11. Beautifully Unconventional
12. Moaning Lisa Smile
13. Sadboy
14. Space & Time
15. Bros
16. Visions Of A Life
17. Fluffy
Encore
18. Blush
19. Giant Peach


Read more!

Monday 6 November 2017

On Stage: The War On Drugs @ AFAS Live



Only a few years ago The War On Drugs played smaller venues even though they made a couple of good albums. After the release of Lost In The Dream everything changed for this band and with the new LP A Deeper Understanding they have now made it to the larger venues.

The War On Drugs at AFAS Live Amsterdam, November 2 2017



Even though their music is definitely of a high standard, it’s not the band you would expect to make it big. They don’t have a big stadium sound with songs to sing along to with big spectacular live shows. But tonight it becomes clear they gained a new audience, the one that heard a few songs and decide to go see them play live with a group of friends and have a nice night out.



This crowd is loud tonight and unfortunately not in a good way. Around us several groups of people are chatting all night long, which makes it hard for me to get into the music. When they play a few of their well known songs like 'Under The Pressure' and 'Red Eyes' people turn to see the band and phones go up in the air, even singing along to the guitar riffs (yes, you can do that). When a more quiet song follows that is less known, they get more beers and return to their stories as if we’re in a big bar on a Saturday night where a band is playing in one of the corners. It is a big contrast with the show they played a few years back in Paradiso.



Enough about crowd annoyances and back to the music, which does please me a lot. On the new album the band has explored and deepened their sound even more, without compromising to anyone. This shows tonight as well with a great sounding performance where you can hear all the details. This is very important since it exposes all the layers in their music which is what makes it so good. I like the lazy feeling of songs like 'Pain'. Of course the epic 'Thinking Of A Place' is the centre piece of the show and it gets the performance it deserves with long guitar solos and sparkling play.



The string of lights are a very clever light plan for this show. It is quite subtle but it gives the show enough extras for this large venue. Of course the band sticks to playing the songs where front man Adam Granduciel only steps into the spot light when he’s singing but steps back when he’s done, blending in with the band again. Maybe that’s what draws all these people to this band. They don't have a big rock star vibe going but simply play amazing music. They are just too good for smaller stages.



All Pictures

Official Website | SoundCloud | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Spotify

Setlist:
01. In Chains
02. Holding On
03. Pain
04. An Ocean in Between the Waves
05. Strangest Thing
06. Nothing to Find
07. Knocked Down
08. In Reverse
09. Red Eyes
10. Thinking of a Place
11. Under the Pressure
12. Clean Living
13. Eyes to the Wind
Encore
14. Burning
15. You Don't Have to Go


Read more!