Come As You Are @ Effenaar

Once again Effenaar in Eindhoven is celebrating thirty years of guitar music with the Come As You Are festival. Bands that go all the way back and new bands are playing on this day. It's a nice lined-up again this year and we have another excuse to have a night out with good friends, live music and lots of beer.

Come As You Are at Effenaar Eindhoven, December 7 2019



The Cold Vein

Thirty years ago Urban Dance Squad was one of the hottest bands to come from the low lands. Ex-member and singer Patrick Tilon, also known as Rudeboy, is no stranger here are the festival and returns with a new band The Cold Vein. The noise rock quartet play heavy sounding noise rock songs, which are solid vehicles for Rudeboy's vocals. He has a tendency of overpowering his vocals, causing it to sound more like screaming than singing. Not all songs sound equally well, but there are some very solid rocks songs with good ideas. Drummer Chief W. is a delight to watch, playing his grooves in a relaxed but tight and powerful way with a big grin on his face. Nice way to kick off the festival for us nevertheless.

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SØWT

We go downstairs to watch local band SØWT who are playing a mix of noise and grunge. Singer Danielle Warners is looking very angry most of the time and emphasises the serious and dark songs this way. They draw inspiration from grunge and noise rock bands from the early nineties like Nirvana and Sonic Youth. Their songs have a nice variation in sound and are real heavy rock bullets. I quite enjoy this band who live up to the festival's name.

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Mozes and the Firstborn

I bought tickets to the very last show of Mozes and the Firstborn at the end of the month at this same spot, but I most probably won't be able to make it. Fortunately they are playing here today, which will be the last time I get to see them. It's too bad this band is going to quit, since I have always liked their garage rock with great melodies and plenty of tongue in cheek. Singer Melle Dielesen is a bit less chatty than normal but still the band is playing a solid show in their hometown. The group has so many amazing songs like 'Dadcore' and 'Sad Supermarkaet Song' that always go down very well. I've been following this band from the early beginning and I sure am gonna miss these guys.

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Dune Rats

We head downstairs where Brisbane band Dune Rats have started their set. Their light punk rock songs could be nice to enjoy with a couple of beers. However the band seems to be too busy goofing around and the songs aren't anything special and don't sound that great. Time to get some food instead.

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Rick de Leeuw & Band

In the nineties I have seen Rick de Leeuw's old band Tröckener Kecks many times and every time it was blast. Tonight de Leeuw is playing with the band he recorded his new solo album with. He decides to play mostly old Kecks hits instead which pleases the mostly middle aged crowd who, like me, know him best from that time. Of course he has done so much more and wrote so many more wonderful songs after that, but tonight we all feel thirty years younger again, including de Leeuw himself.

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Johan

The festival is celebrating thirty years of guitar music in the broadest sense and so they booked one of my all time favourite bands Johan. I've seen them so many times and simply can't get enough. Their timeless pop rock songs are all little gems that I can hear over and over again. I mean who can resist songs like 'Tumble and Fall', 'Day Is Done', 'Oceans' and 'Everybody Knows' to name but a few. I know I never can.

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Indian Askin

The quartet Indian Askin seem to be on the road a lot and is doing another 'Another Round' tour at the moment. It brings their new LP Another Round to this festival, which is another lovely record. The band never makes compromises and their indierock with a punk attitude is a breath of fresh air in the rock scene. On stage the band is always able impress and today they work very hard to please the crowd. They have a bunch of very good songs to work with and in the end come up winning.

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Navarone

Nijmegen rock band Navarone have really given it all to force some kind of breakthrough, even joining a music contest on TV. It did draw attention to their music and they were able to sell out Paradiso recently. Today they are the headliner but judging from the half full main hall it looks like many people have already left. It's a shame because tonight the group stays clear from the covers and treats us to their own songs. Nothing can get this band down and they would even do their best when there was only one person in front of the stage. The rockers play a good show for the people and fans that came down and knock out a couple of their bangers. It ends the night on a high for me.

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It has been another fun edition of this festival. If they keep it up like this and can come up with another interesting line-up next year, I'm sure we will try to be there again.

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Loose Ends Festival 2019

There's a new festival in town called Loose Ends and apparently they got a hold of my garage and punk rock dream line-up, since the festival only booked bands I like. Of course I got tickets right away and want to see them all. Not sure how this will work out, but a guy can dream right? I hop on my bike, get on the ferry and enter Loose Ends.

Loose Ends Festival 2019

Fortunately this is not a huge festival and I see the three stages are very close to each other. It's also not overcrowded and this gives me the opportunity to see bands that are playing at the same time. The sun is up, the beer is cold and I have my ear plugs. Let's go!

Korfbal

I like the music of this band, that is a combination of members of other sick bands, Creepy Karpis, Rats on Rafts and The Homesick. I'm really glad I finally get to see them live now. With catchy clear guitar riffs and poppy garage songs that are full of irresistible hooks, these guys certainly don't disappoint. I can't wait for their first album that is coming out this fall. A very good way to kick off this day.

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Personal Trainer

I couldn't see Canshaker Pi singer Willem Smit's solo project earlier at the Best Kept Secret festival, but I get a second chance. When we arrive at the smallest stage outside there's already a party going on. Smit has gathered a lot of friends on stage that is a bit too small for this wild rock party going on. It's a crazy get together and a wonderful sight to see this colourful bunch of people throw a fun party this early in the afternoon. Smit is turning into a front runner for the Dutch indie scene and that is a good thing.

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Crows

We make our way to the main stage where Crows have started their set. I like their dark and vicious post punk music that is loud, heavy and noisy. We may be in the wrong spot though, since from our position the vocals are too loud compared to the guitar. This music relies on a good balance between those two, so everything can melt together into a glorious wall of noise. Now it misses its effect and the music doesn't have the full impact it should. The sunny afternoon doesn't exactly help as this band dwells best in a dark small club.

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Ploegendienst

Time to check out the tent stage where Dutch punk band Ploegendienst have started tearing down the place, led by Ray Fuego who is dressed only in his underpants for the tropical occasion. This band is relentless, will grab you and won't let go until you beg for mercy. It keeps firing off loud, rough punk songs without slowing down and scores the first real pit of the day, just right on time.

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Mozes and the Firstborn

On the main stage one of the most fun Dutch garage rock bands Mozes and the Firstborn are already playing in the blistering sun. They are the perfect band on this summer's afternoon, playing a tight set with the same loose and relaxed attitude that we are used of them. These guys have so many great songs, that simply keep running around your head for days. Once again I enjoy their lively show and music.

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Feels

A few months ago I was pleasantly surprised by this almost all female band from LA. Their music is ranging from indie rock to rough punk rock, led by Leana Geronimo. The band plays a tight set and I like it again. It doesn't get as stunning as the first time I saw them, but that could just be the different surroundings. I don't get sucked into their show like that time, but I sure like the way they are really into their music.



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Sports Team

First times can't be beaten easily when they are good. The same goes for Sports Team. Their great lively show at Best Kept Secret was one that worked in every way. Today it's a different place with a different crowd. The band has to work hard but the response is more reserved. Singer Alex Rice isn't giving up though and keeps moving around stage in his Mick-Jagger-on-speed kind of way. The band has a couple of catchy hit songs up their sleeves, that don't miss their effect. I notice though, that once you've seen them before, it is less overwhelming and they need to make sure they don't cross the thin line of turning into a gimmick.

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Yak

Launched by Jack White's Third Man Records, Yak has all the ingredients for me to like them. And that couldn't be more right. Their groovy fuzzed out rock is tight, loud and has this psychedelic edge that I like a lot. I understand why they have a fanbase that includes Alex Turner and members of Spiritualized and Tame Impala. There's more to it than just a bunch of catchy garage rock songs. The band definitely have their sound down and I'll be sure to check out their music.

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Indian Askin

Dutch band Indian Askin have their sound down too, although their new LP sounds more mellow than the previous one. Normally that shouldn't be a problem but this is a punk rock crowd. The heavy songs do have more impact today, whereas the mellow ones have everyone lean back in a relaxed way, downing a cold beer. This is a great band though, that will work hard to please a crowd and that has many killer songs up their sleeves.

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Iguana Death Cult

I can't stay at the main stage though, since Iguana Death Cult is playing at the other side at the small stage. Singer Jeroen Reek may have lost his long hair, but he still is wildly rocking. You could call them the Dutch Oh Sees, because of the similar sound, but that would cut the band short. Since these guys simply keep knocking out one catchy tune after another and are always a delight to watch. All of them play with a lot of heart and turn every stage into an energetic rock party.



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Pip Blom

On her way to Glastonbury our own Pip Blom is visiting this festival as well. I like her cheerful and catchy rock music, that has something light and gritty, but is edgy the same time. Together with her young band her shows are always energetic and full of heart. Their young age give them something uninhibited which is wonderful to see. Her first album Boat that just came out is getting very good reviews and she proves she's one of the hidden gems at Glastonbury this year.

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Sunflower Bean

I got introduced to Sunflower Bean last year at the Into The Great Wide Open festival and liked their rough rock music. In Julia Cumming the band has a front woman with a real rock attitude. It gives their performance the right amount of energy. They borrowed The Lemon Twigs' Danny Ayala on keyboard who is adding an extra layer to their sound but also brings extra show to the stage. It turns their performance into a lively one that is a lot of fun to watch.

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Iceage

The festival is definitely on speed now and Iceage keep the party going. Fronted by the charismatic singer Elias Bender Rønnenfelt, the Danish band have a broad, big guitar sound that is a mix of post-punk and psychedelica, with some The Velvet Underground kind of twist. It works very well and the band builds a big wall of noise, drowned in reverb and wild guitar. It's a nice first encounter with this talented band.

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METZ

Canadian group METZ are one of my favourite bands here today and I couldn't wait to catch them again. These guys never disappoint and their music is like a bulldozer cruising at race car speed. It's unbelievable that only three guys produce this powerful sound, that keeps pounding away at you. I love this groove that they build up, without holding back. But it's not just the power and noise, since the songs are actually very clever, with more to it than you'd think. It's as effective as always today, judging from the wild pit in front of the stage.



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Fontaines D.C.

We're only halfway the year but I'm sure Irish post punkers Fontaines D.C.'s first album Dogrel is going to end up high in many album lists at the end of this year. It sure will end up high on mine. It is full of well written songs that are both fun and dark. When the band starts you get a Joy Division flash-back looking at singer Grian Chatten nervously walking around his microphone. But damn, these guys blow everyone's mind with a tight and energetic show. They let it rip and it's probably the most ecstatic moment of the festival with crowd surfers and people simply going mental. For a good reason because songs like 'Too Real' and 'Boys In The Betterland' are simply instant classics that have a huge impact. I bought tickets to their show in November right away, when they return to Amsterdam.

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Sleaford Mods

I'm not too much of a fan of Sleaford Mods, but I can see how their electronic punk music earned a spot at this festival. Of course this is a big name and the duo prove it today with a well performed set, that goes down well with the crowd. Jason Williamson's biting raps are backed up by minimalistic electronic beats. It is quite a powerful combination and allows part of the crowd to go loose one more time while the sun is setting and the dark sets in. It's a good ending to this wonderful day.



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Thus festival did a great job putting together an exciting day of punk and garage rock. They lined up so many amazing bands, that I couldn't even see all of them. But it turned into a wonderful and fun day with a lot of good vibes. I really hope the festival returns next year with a string of equally exciting bands. I'm sure I will be there again as well.

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On Stage: Mozes and the Firstborn @ Bitterzoet

Dutch garage rock band Mozes and the Firstborn are a group that know how to have fun with their music. There's always that tongue in cheek touch in their songs, without making it too cheesy. On stage these guys can throw a big party too so I try to catch them whenever I can.

Mozes and the Firstborn at Bitterzoet Amsterdam, March 7 2019

This time the band just got back from a 6 weeks tour in the US, where they release their music on the illustrious record label Burger Records. It makes sense that company contracted the Dutch rockers since they fit right in with bands like together PANGEA. That band is all about having fun as well and at the same time know how to write convincing and killer tunes. They even teamed up with them on their new LP Dadcore for the title track. Currently the four lads are touring around in support of that album, this time without their regular drummer and producer Raven Aartsen.

You can hear a broader sound on the new record, showing the band keeps on growing. Tonight this becomes even more clear when you hear the new and older songs alternating. New songs like that title track 'Dadcore' and 'Sad Supermarket Song' are powerful rock songs but are also quite different. Light happy punk songs are followed by Weezer like rock and heavy grungy 90s stompers. The band sounds confident and is playing more tightly than ever. This may sound like a playful garage rock band with gritty slacker rock songs, but these guys can play for sure.

Fronted by the charismatic Melle Dielesen there's plenty going on live on stage as well, with a lot of energy flowing. Dielesen has always been an entertaining singer to watch, but seems to grow more and more into his frontman role as the band gets older. He's able to get a party started anywhere he plays, even when the crowd seems a bit hesitant like tonight. But these irresistible songs together with a band having so much fun is guaranteed to win even the biggest grump over. Their music is far too gritty and hooky to become mainstream, which is only a good thing. But somehow I hope this band could get bigger, only because I know they could make so many people happy and give them a good time. They always make me leave with a big grin on my face, that's for sure.



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Best Kept Secret 2018 Day 1

By now the Best Kept Secret festival feels like coming home. We have been here several times and we can't wait to move into our jungalow. By the time we do, the light drizzle has stopped and the sun is showing itself. We get comfortable in front of the jungalow and it doesn't take long to get into the festival mood. Let's go see the first band of the day!

Best Kept Secret 2018 Day 1, June 8 2018

Palm

I heard a lot about this band so I wanted to check them out. Their music is quite hard to grasp and I’m having trouble getting into it. Obviously these are skilled musicians but they are making things too difficult for me. The empty spaces that appear in the tent reveal I’m not the only one. Of course it is good to have bands like this who are taking a risk and make things more difficult, so kudos to them for taking a chance.

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The Districts

Time for a bit of action and The Districts are the ones to give it to us. Their songs remind of The Killers and are big enough to fill large venues and festival stages. The band plays with a lot of heart and are eager to win the crowd over. The band sounds pretty tight and solid, although they need a bit more variation in their music. But the group has the right spirit and when they keep working this hard on stage, things could work out for them in the end.

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Mozes and the Firstborn

Susanne Sundfør had to cancel and fortunately Mozes and the Firstborn are here for a DJ set so they can replace her. By the time we arrive at stage Three the band has already wrapped the crowd around their finger. There’s a party going on in front of the stage and there’s one on stage. These guys are having a great time and their energy is contagious. The young group have grown a lot and have improved their sound, their playing and stage appearance. This is a band you simply have to love.

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Future Islands

Another band you have to love is Future Islands. Of course for the largest part this is because of Samuel T. Herring, their charismatic front man. By now you know what to expect but his emotional and soulful performance never gets old. When you look at his sweaty face that seems to be in pain, you wonder how much of this is acted. I want tot believe it is all really him. The songs do sound alike a lot and the band is pretty much acting as wallpaper. Herring doesn't jump off stage to climb the fence this time and in general their performance is less impressive than the other times I have seen them. It's still not a bad way to spend your afternoon though.



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...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Death

Technical issues kind of screw up the first half of the show but when they finally get fixed this band sounds very powerful. I don’t really get the changing of position by Conrad Keeley and Jason Reece taking turns on guitar and drums. Although they do this quite smoothly the small breaks take away some of the momentum now and then. Fortunately they pick things up fast and their heavy sound is very convincing, resulting in a solid performance.



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Deerhunter

Deerhunter can make it quite difficult for their audience but cleverly chooses to show their more accessible side. It is a smart move on a festival and they let people get in their music. The dark songs sound wonderful and the band shows how good they are without overdoing it. Interesting song structures combined with a very focused band makes this performance a winner.

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Arctic Monkeys

There has been a lot of talk about the new Arctic Monkeys album Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino. I simply love it and this band one of my favourite rock bands around. This raises high expectations and you can feel people are eager to know where the band stands these days. Boy, do they deliver tonight. The slow mellow new songs are amazing live and the band is in total control, shifting smoothly between slow and fast songs. Alex Turner has grown into a charismatic confident performer, who is moving around stage like a experienced dandy. I simply love his lazy delivery of his vocals and their songs are simply gorgeous. I think this group is one of the best bands of the past decades. The Casbah sounds like a good place to end this day in style. Rock the casbah!



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Best Kept Secret Festival 2018 Day 2
Best Kept Secret Festival 2018 Day 3

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On Stage: Mozes and the Firstborn @ Bitterzoet

After the release of their first self titled record, young Dutch rock band Mozes and the Firstborn started living their dream of being in a rock band and touring the world. The band played many shows, but also experienced the flip side of it when it all became too much for them. They tried recording a second record in a real studio, with a real producer, but were not happy with the result and tossed it away. After getting it all together again they recorded new songs by themselves and are now touring in support of the record it resulted in, Great Pile Of Nothing.

Mozes and the Firstborn at Bitterzoet Amsterdam, October 16 2016

It's hard to believe these guys were in such a bad place when you saw them play in the past. The foursome always seem to be happy on stage, monkeying around and simply having a blast. Fortunately tonight this is not different and it makes visiting their shows a real treat. The first record had happy-go-lucky up tempo garage rock tunes that would make any one lose their mind over.

The new one is more of a power pop record, with mid tempo songs that offer more depth and reflection. This could result in a performance where the band has to hold back but this is not the case at all. It actually makes their set more balanced, adding more dynamics to the music. Songs like 'Power Ranger' and 'Crybaby' are worthy additions to their catalogue and already fan favourites. It doesn't take long for a few lads to form a small pit in front and everyone is at least bopping their head. That slacker nineties feel of their music still remains in the new songs, which is exactly what makes it so enjoyable.

It's good to see that Mozes and the Firstborn have overcome their troubles and are full of energy again. Singer Melle Dielesen still is the jolly front man, staring through his hair into the crowd with a twinkle in his eyes and a grin on his face. Tall bass player Corto Blommaert is rocking his bass besides him, blond drummer Raven Aartsen with his ever changing hair style is pounding his drums in the back and guitar player Ernst-Jan van Doorn is in his own world shredding his guitar. It's hard not to love young bands like this, who are living the dream of making music and playing in a rock band. Hopefully the dream won't turn into a nightmare again for these guys. since it would be great to have them around for a long time.



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ITGWO 2016 Day 3 + 4

Halfway the Into The Great Wide Open festival we've seen some pretty amazing performances already and we still have so many to come. Bring on the second part!

Into The Great Wide Open 2016, Saturday September 3 2016


The day starts real sunny although the weather forecasts show rain coming up later today. Let's enjoy the sun while it lasts.

Bixiga 70
What better way to start this day than with Bixiga 70 from São Paulo, that play swinging afrobeat juiced up with Brazilian influences. The band turns the field into a hot swinging dance party and are enjoying it themselves a lot too. The instrumental songs have explosive percussion and sparkling horns played with a lot of heart and enthusiasm. The band completely connects with the cheerful crowd and have to come back for a few encores. And so we start this day with a big smile on our face.

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Remy van Kesteren
In the woods we meet up with Dutch harp player Remy van Kesteren, who shows the instrument can be rock 'n roll too. The clever compositions that are both jazzy and groovy sound great and combined with his good band it goes down well. The friendly Van Kesteren is telling short stories in between which give the performance a light touch which is perfect for this time of the day and at this place. Sometimes he's also using a loop station to stack harp parts with each other which is quite impressive. I wonder how many of the kids today will pick up harp playing.

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Mozes and the Firstborn
Young Dutch rockers Mozes and the Firstborn have been away for a while but are now back with a new album Great Pile Of Nothing. I really like their catchy songs and slacker attitude. Here, between the trees it feels right at its place and it creates a relaxed vibe. The band looks refreshed and eager again. The new songs still need to sink in and sound a bit more mellow. I'm looking forward to hearing the new album. In the end I'm still enjoying this band a lot.

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A-Wa
We decide to stick around for Israelian sisters Haim (there are more Haim sisters!?) of A-Wa, who sing in two languages, that sound exotic like the Midle Eastern yemenite music they play. It's uplifting music that sounds both swinging and cheerful. The three young women look lovely and colourful in their nice dresses and the whole band radiates positive energy. It creates an enthusiastic atmosphere with happy faces on and off stage.

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GoGo Penguin
One of the nice things about this festival is its diversity and that it doesn't shy away from asking a bit more from its visitors. GoGo Penguin are a young jazz trio led by double bass player Nick Blacka. Together with piano player Chris Illingworth and drummer Rob Turner they play groovy jazz songs that sound exciting and sparkling. There are no long solos which is common in most jazz music, but instead keep the groove going while playing variations around a theme. They prove jazz is definitely not boring and for middle aged or old people. Instead they make it sound modern and exciting.

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The Golden Dawn Arkestra
By now the predicted rain has started so why not call for help from the sun god? The Golden Dawn Arkestra, formed by Topaz McGarrigle a.k.a. Zapot Mgwana, has landed with their space ship. Their funky disco music is inspired by Sun Ra, who is Mgwana's father according to his mother. The inspiration is obvious from their outfits and the name of their inspirator on a black cloth. They mention the sun god Ra as well and are dressed in strange costumes. Like a Sun Ra show it is seemingly chaotic on stage and several songs are accompanied by some of the members dancing. The dance with led lit hoola hoops is very effective in the dark. There's a lot to see but the music is nice as well. The very danceable songs are funky and swinging and played with a lot of heart. It definitely makes us forget about the rain and hopefully Ra will make the sun return tomorrow.

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Conjunto Papa Upa
we end the night at the thrilling show of Conjunto Papa Upa, a name that sounds very exotic and which is the Venezuelean/Dutch/British trio around Alex Figueira. The very percussive music is a mix of Venezuelan music, samba, cumbia, psychedelic sixties and African influences. It's an explosive mix that is exactly what this small but party hungry crowd needs. The band is firing up the crowd with danceable grooves and at one point jumps into the crowd while continuing to play. It's no surprise the band has to come back for an encore.

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By now the rain is pouring down, so we are eager to get inside. However the rain can't spoil another wonderful day.

Into The Great Wide Open 2016, Sunday September 4 2016


The last day traditionally is the day where we slow down. The program for today is shorter and less packed so we have more time to relax. Of course there are still plenty of bands worth checking out and fortunately the sun has returned.

Palace
The music of this young British band is a great way to start the day. The dreamy and bluesy pop songs sound wonderful in the woods and is exactly what we need. The musicians look totally into the moment and are clearly enjoying their show between the trees. They look very focused and their atmospheric music is very effective.

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Ben Miller Band
After this relaxed start it's time to spice it up and the Ben Miller Band is the right band at the right place. It's quite obvious where this band is hailing from and their blue grass and country music is fitting their appearance as well. The band is all positive vibes and looks genuinely pleased to be playing here. Their set is slowly building up to a big hillbilly dancing party between the trees and they leave us all happy and dancing.

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Baloji & L'Orchestre de la Katuba
At the main stage another party is starting. Baloji is a Belgian rapper with Congolese roots and he's accompanied by L'Orchestre de la Katuba. Congolese rumba is mixed with hip hop and soul and Baloji is firing up the crowd. He also doesn't shy away from politics and addresses some problems Africa and Congo are facing and his view on the matter. It suits the music and his personality well and adds some extra fire. Sometimes his moves and posture remind of a young Michael Jackson. The members of the band all get their time to shine today and their energy is reflecting on the excited crowd.

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Rag 'N' Bone Man
It's not a closing act that will make the crowd party one last time, but the impressive Rory Graham, or Rag 'N' Bone Man, knows how to leave us with a happy feeling. His soul music with hip hop influences is strong and so is his voice. It's as if it is really for him to sing this way, bringing his songs straight from the heart. The big man looks like a large teddy bear and he is radiating positive vibes. It's a wonderful performance but I think a festive band would have been more fitting to close the festival. In the end it is not a bad ending to another wonderful edition of Into The Great Wide Open. DJ St. Paul makes sure we can end the festival at the main stage with a big party and we continue to dance for a bit more.

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I had to look it up but this was my sixth edition of this amazing festival that never disappoints. Many bands are excelling here and it's one of those places where both artists and crowd are getting the best out of each other. We spend another couple of glorious days on this lovely island before we head home where I am already dreaming about next year.

All Pictures Day 3
All Pictures Day 4

Into The Great Wide Open Day 1+2

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