Corona Lockdown Festival featured artists: DeWolff and The Grand East

The first featured artists of the Corona Lockdown Festival are Dutch rock band DeWolff and The Grand East. Both bands played at an empty Muziekgieterij Maastricht and live streamed the event. They were one of the first bands to do so. Check out both shows below and donate if you can!

M-PX presents: DeWolff & The Grand East at Muziekgieterij, Maastricht

Donate HERE (donation page owned by the bands and not affiliated to this site in any way).

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ITGWO 2018 Day 3 + Day 4

The first two days of this festival showed all the beautiful side of it with all its amazing music, food and art. The second half promises to be just as good so we're up for another two incredible days.

Into The Great Wide Open 2018 Saturday September 1

The festival likes to explore the Vlieland island and will move stages around. This year the stage near the lighthouse in the dunes has returned, but in a different setting. It has a simple stage setup and there are no bars or food stands. Instead it focuses on more experimental music.

Onyx Collective

So we head to this incredible place where we were already a few years ago. Onyx Collective are playing experimental jazz while people are enjoying the sun. Even though the music is quite complicated and asks quite a lot from the listeners it works quite well on this lush day. Some people are dozing off to the weird sounds and vocals. This seems to be the best way to hear this complex music and to let it take you away and just let it float.

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Alfa Mist

After a break we return to the lighthouse for another jazz performance. Alfa Mist continue where Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock have left off. The producer and pianist has come up with nice gentle groovy songs with sparkling keys and trumpet. Electronic effects on the trumpet add another dimension to the music that dwells perfectly here in the dunes. And so we sit back once again in the sun and let the music do the rest.

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Canshaker Pi

We make our way into the woods to catch the last bit of Canshaker Pi. I’ve seen these guys play several times and love their hooky rock songs with a slacker twist. There’s a pit in front of the stage where people go wild. The band has changed two of their members and this has changed their chemistry as well. It kind of misses a bit of edge now but hopefully a lot of miles on the road will regain that.

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Yo La Tengo

I have heard great things about Yo La Tengo, especially their live performances. The band has made a lot of different types of music and you never know what their performance will bring. They start off very quiet, with rootsy songs that somehow cannot really grasp me. Halfway they pick things up with heavier work and start rocking out. Still I can’t really get into it and the music is lacking a really good groove, despite the skills of the musicians. It doesn't really help that the three members aren't exactly showing they are having a good time. This band has a huge reputation and I can hear why they are so loved, but for me it doesn't work.

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DeWolff

The Vaccines unfortunately had to cancel and Dutch rocker DeWolff are filling in. They are a worthy replacement and are taking full opportunity of their unexpected visit to the island. The classic rock songs go down well with the eager crowd on this sunny afternoon. Even though they are still young, these guys have been playing together for most of their life. The band works hard to please the crowd with screaming guitar solos, a growling organ and rolling drums and comes up winning with an inspired show.

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Oumou Sangaré

Malinese singer Oumou Sangaré is pretty big in her home country and for a good reasons she proves here tonight. He voice is beautiful and full of power and the songs are melancholic but also very good to dance to. The crowd is willing to do exactly that and joins Sangaré and her band in the African dancing party. With a huge smile she’s enjoying the view and it is clear this happy festival crowd has embraced this wonderful singer.

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The Ex

It is time I get to see legendary Amsterdam band The Ex who have been around for almost fourty years. The veterans show why tonight with an inspired show, that is full of fire. The rocks songs are not your standard ones, but are melodic tunes that often end up in rough noise eruptions where the guitar players are shredding their guitars with a huge grin on their faces. Drummer Katherina Bornefeld is tastefully holding the boys together with tight drumming.

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Django Django

The Scottish band Django Django are the ones that get to close the main stage today on a high. It turns out that is not a problem with a festive crowd that is very willing to dance to the light indie rock and pop songs, that are kind of like modern disco and are meant to move your body. Their latest LP Marble Skies has plenty of those groovy songs and together with some of their big hits, the field is having a great time. But the band doesn't really set fire to it, while the circumstances are ideal to let it rip. So instead everybody is gently rocking instead of having a wild dancing party. Still not bad to end a great day.

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All Pictures Into The Great Wide Open 2018 Day 3

Into The Great Wide Open 2018 Sunday September 2

It's hard to believe the final day has arrived, after three days so chuck full of music it is dazzling. Today is a shorter one but still there is so much to enjoy that we're up for another good one.

Sunflower Bean

The last day is always a long stretch but Sunflower Bean have no trouble waking us up. Julia Cumming leads her band into powerful rock songs with some ballads scattered around the set. She has a real rock attitude and a pretty good voice. Guitar licks heavy on overdrive are bouncing off the trees in the woods. It is working better than coffee and within no time we are all wide awake.

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Boy Azooga

We leave the warm sun for a bit and enter the dark indoor stage, where Boy Azooga have started their set. We come in at a mellow part, where the band is exploring their sensitive side. It is clear these guys can play, but this part of the set can't win me over. The band comes across as a bunch of very nice guys though and I really want to like it. Towards the end they pick things up and play a couple of nice uptempo tunes. It is not a bad performance but I was hoping for a bit more spice.

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Protomartyr

Things are totally different at the stage in the woods where singer Joe Casey is wondering what we're doing here at this beautiful day, watching them play their depressing music. Of course he's joking and by now I am used to his sarcastic and cynical comments. But he's cutting his band short here, since even on this beautiful spot, their dark music doesn't miss its effect. The band is sharp and tight and Casey is spitting out his lyrics in his usual posture, leaning against the mic stand, holding a can of beer. It's hard not to look at him and not get hypnotised by his mimicry, while his band is almost carelessly playing along. Once again I'm impressed by the powerful performance by this one of a kind band.

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Jeff Tweedy

At the main stage Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy has started his solo show. The stage is almost completely empty except for Tweedy and a small flight case next to him. He looks like a happy camper but his songs cut deeper than that. Tweedy is joking and is obviously in a good mood. It is a mellow performance on this sunny warm afternoon and he's joking that he's "tearing down this joint" when a sign falls down at the side of the stage. I am surprised it isn't more crowded since I suspect Wilco is a big band among the visitors here. I'm not really into Tweedy's roots and folk music, but I can definitely enjoy his cheerful performance here today.

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Hannah Williams & The Affirmations

The festival always likes to close with a feel good performance by an artist that isn't really a headliner but will send everyone away with a smile on their face. This year Hannah Williams and her Affirmations are the ones to send us home and she's doing a great job. Williams' voice is incredible and her band is wonderful too. Her soul music isn't exactly something you haven't heard before but it so well performed that it is hard not to enjoy it. Their version of Led Zeppelin's 'Dazed and Confused' sounds compelling and genuine. She's the right person to end the festival here at the main stage. After we dance some more to DJ St Paul of course who always knows how to keep the party going a bit longer.

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Another edition comes to an end where I didn't see any real surprises, although I saw plenty of good performances. But this festival is about having a great time with good music, good food and beautiful people. This goes for the musicians too who obviously love playing here. This festival summer comes to an end in the best possible way.

All Pictures Into The Great Wide Open 2018 Day 4

Into The Great Wide Open 2018 Day 1 + 2

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Lowlands 2011 Day 2: Magic and Sausages

We wake up to a lovely day. After a great first day with many high lights, today is looking a bit pale on paper. But I'm ready to be proven wrong. After a hearty breakfast and coffee of course.


Lowlands 2011 Day 2, August 20 2011
To head it off we join the big Karaoke party 'Lowlands is singing' that is a good way to get rid of your hang over and get you in the right mood. With a smile on our face we leave for the first performance of the day.



Young The Giant (Ronald Says 6 out of 10)
One of the upcoming bands and promising for the future according to many, but I wasn't impressed by their album at all. Hopefully they can convince me live on stage. But after a few songs I already find out that's not gonna be the case. Singer Sameer Gadhia has a good clear voice but I don't believe him. It looks like he's practiced every single move in front of the mirror. The performance of the band is looking pale and after a while I'm getting bored. Like on the album they only have a few really good songs. But I'm not gonna stick around for their best song 'Body'.

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The Deaf (Ronald Says 8 out of 10)
So I rush over to The Deaf at the small Charlie stage. I liked their lively performance when they were support act for the Arctic Monkeys a few months ago. And today it's even better. The band is full of energy and their punk rock songs are firing up the crowd. Frans "Spike" van Soest is proving once again he is a great front man. He's playing with a big smile on his face all through the show. Keyboard player Maurizio "Skinny Mau" Pinna keeps rocking his organ most of the times adding to the lively atmosphere. It's the perfect band for this sunny afternoon and just the wake-up call I need.

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DeWolff (Ronald Says 8 out of 10)
Three young dogs take the big Alpha stage for their psychedelic rock music. Only a few years ago they were playing the small neighbouring Charlie stage but things went fast. With their second album they proved they are here to stay. I was a bit worried the stage may be too big for them, but during their show the huge tent fills up gradually. Many people are impressed by the skills and talent of this young band. They have put together a smart set list that slowly builds up to a climax. By then they have already won everyone over.

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National Youth Jazz Orchestra (Ronald Says 8 out of 10)
Jazz on a festival like Lowlands may not be an obvious choice and is quite a gamble. The Lima on the other hand is a great stage for these experiments, where people are open minded and that can turn into a party. The orchestra consists of some of the most talented young jazz musicians in The Netherlands at the moment and Benjamin Herman is their mentor and conductor. He's the right man for the job with his never ending enthusiasm and great skills. And it works brilliantly. They have put together a very good set with appealing and swinging songs. A couple of young, talented and more experienced musicians join them as well to take on many of the solo's. It's a great success and proof that even jazz has a place on this festival.

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Cloud Control (Ronald Says 7 out of 10)
I'm trying out this band from Australia. Their mix of folk and psychedelic indie rock isn't really my kind of music but it sounds interesting enough to stick around. They are playing a convincing set and the musicians are giving it all resulting in good vibes. The part where bass player Jeremy Kelshaw is hitting a flight case with some kind of big plastic sticks is a bit weird though. It's probably supposed to add some percussion element but it gets kind of lost. Overall it's a good show nevertheless and it's one of the surprises of the weekend. This is a band to keep an eye on.

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Cage The Elephant (Ronald Says 6 out of 10)
Matthew Shultz, the singer of this band from Kentuky, is known for his energetic performances. And that's definitely no lie. He's all over the stage and looking for contact with the crowd. But his vocals aren't great and it all starts to sound the same after a while. Shultz is addicted to stage diving and when the rest of the band has already left the stage he decides to take one more leap into the crowd. When they could improve their songs it would get a lot better. But it's a nice band to have on a festival.

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Elbow (Ronald Says 9 out of 10)
When you've seen Elbow a few times, you know what you're gonna get. So it won't be a surprising performance. But when you do it so well and convincing like Guy Garvey and friends that's no problem. The show will be recorded for an upcoming DVD and so everyone is looking at its best. Garvey is as charming and charismatic as ever. He's wrapping all of us around his finger without a problem and everyone is kindly following his interactive requests. He could have asked the crowd to do anything really. The set is mostly made off their last two hit albums and with the addition of some live strings they all sound magical. In between they even have time to celebrate their 20th anniversary with a drink and a small acoustic moment together. So maybe it isn't all that surprising but it's still working so well. And yes Guy, we're still okay.

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So this day is ending strong and it's party time again. A few hours later we find ourselves in the middle of a big sausage party at the camping shop. Mustard anyone?

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Lowlands 2011 Day 1 Review >
Lowlands 2011 Day 3 Review >
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The Black Keys Or How To Impress And Entertain A Crowd

When it was announced that The Black Keys were gonna play the Heineken Music Hall in Amsterdam I didn't run to the ticket shop immediately. Not only because I buy all my tickets online but also because the big hall with 5500 persons capacity didn't strike me as the best environment for the band. Although they had proven that they were capable of entertaining big crowds last year on Rock Werchter. But when DeWolff were added as a support act I just couldn't resist any more.

DeWolff at Heineken Music Hall Amsterdam, March 19 2010 (Ronald Says 8 out of 10)
And that's why they deserve a separate review. A few years ago these young musicians impressed me with their album and live show. And now they released their second album Orchids/Lupine which sounds even better. With their mix of good old 70s rock and psychedelica they start off their show for just a handful of people. But by the time the venue fills up they manage to convince a lot of them. It shows they have grown and aren't afraid to take a gamble with their set list. The three musicians stick to their normal playing style including long jams and solos. By the end of the show they earn a well deserved applause from the majority.



The Black Keys at Heineken Music Hall Amsterdam, March 19 2010(Ronald Says 8 out of 10)
After this nice warm up the golden drum kit of Patrick Carney moves to the front of the stage. The duo fly into it right from the start and open up with 'Thickfreakness'. This grabs everyone right away and they won't let go for the rest of the night. It really remains impressive to see how they can wrap a big venue around their finger with just the two of them. They don't even need a lot of interaction with the crowd.

It also shows how strong their songs are. Of course songs like 'Strange Times' and 'Tighten Up' can't be forgotten but the whole set list is one big highlight. Halfway the set they introduce two more musicians (Leon Michels on keyboard and Nick Movshon on bass) to help them out with the part of the set that has mostly songs from their latest Brothers album. But even when Dan Auerbach is standing in the spot light all by himself the crowd stays focused.




And so the time flies by. After sixteen songs they shortly leave stage to come back for two more. It's clear The Black Keys have outgrown the smaller clubs and have no problem filling up medium sized venues. It will be interesting to see how far they can take it in the future.

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DeWolff: Who Said Rock Is Dead?

To the line of bands that embrace good old 70s rock Dutch newcomer DeWolff are a nice addition. Their mix of Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple inspired music spiced up with Pink Floyd like psychedelica is exciting. What's even more impressive is that the three band members are not even 20 yet!

DeWolff in Paradiso Amsterdam, April 3 2010 (Ronald Says 7 out of 10)
Dressed in smart suits and looking their coolest the three young men enter the stage and immediately start laying down their rolling grooves. The band sounds and looks convincing as if they are playing there every week. The Hammond organ of Robin Piso gives it that Deep Purple like sound. Not surprisingly it sometimes sounds like The Doors as well since they are playing without bass player like the illustrious 60s band.

As I mentioned in my short album review of their debut album 'Strange Fruits And Undisclosed Desires' the voice of singer Pablo van der Poel sometimes sounds a bit too weak. But he makes it up with great guitar riffs. And the music seems to be the main attraction here anyway. Some songs lead into long jams like their big inspirers used to do, packed with solos and psychedelic instrumental breaks.



It wasn't not completely full but when you're able to fill up Paradiso when playing the main stage and are able to leave a crowd pleased like this you're definitely full of potential and talent. Let's hope this band gets the time they need to mature so they can deliver many great albums and play many stages. Rock's definitely not dead.
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Get Shorty: New Reviews

It's nice to see that so many good albums from my home country The Netherlands are being released. I guess there's a lot of talent in this small place and some bands sure sound promising: DeWolff, C-Mon & Kypski a.o. Catch these and Julian Casablancas, Weezer reviews and more in this times' short reviews!


C-Mon & Kypski - We Are Square (Ronald Says 8 out of 10)
The Dutch band are back with a record packed with cathy dancable tunes. Including guest appearences by some of the most swinging Dutch musicians like Kyteman and Benjamin Herman.



Julian Casablancas - Phrazes For The young (Ronald Says 8 out of 10)
The last The Strokes member to put out a solo album is singer Casablancas. Strokes like songs covered with lots of 80s electronics make this an enjoyable album.



John Coffey - Vanity (Ronald Says 7 out of 10)
Another Dutch band but now with trashy rock songs that sound rough and dirty. Not all songs are equally strong but it has some good ones on it.



Hello=Fire - Hello=Fire (Ronald Says 7 out of 10)
Queens of the Stone Age guitarist/keyboar player Dean Fertita's solo album is a pop/rock album with a mix between Queens of the Stone age like grooves and Beck like songs. The vocals especially come close to Beck in some songs.



DeWolff - Strange Fruits And Undiscovered Plants (Ronald Says 7 out of 10)
Another band that relies heavily on 70s style rock and this time it's from the south of the Netherlands. They lean more towards psychedelic rock songs. Too bad the vocals aren't too great since it's a good album from a promising new band.



Weezer - Raditude (Ronald Says 5 out of 10)
The world hasn't changed a bit for Weezer since their first record. More of the same teenage pop/rock songs that you already have forgotten about by the time the record has finished.
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