On Stage: Oh Sees @ Paradiso

In the pace John Dwyer is writing music it is hard to believe he can find time to tour. Fortunately he does and most of the times will visit my home town. So whenever I can, I will try to visit his shows, which are usually Thee Oh Sees shows. Or whatever he will call that band which doesn't matter to me.

Oh Sees at Paradiso Amsterdam, September 7 2019

This time Dwyer is visiting as Oh Sees and has sold out the main hall of Paradiso weeks back. It's great to see all his hard work is paying off and he's getting the recognition he deserves. Since even though he keeps knocking out new songs without great ease, they are always of a high standard. The eager fans tonight prove the popularity of this band, hungry for some quality garage rock. After another short soundcheck the band kicks off, turning the complete floor into a wild pit right away.

Dwyer mentions this is the last show of their European tour adding, "make it count". As if this crowd needes any more motivation. Beers fly up in the air as the band fires off one vicious rock song after another. You can hear why so many people love this band, as there aren't many groups that can generate this amount of energy. With two drummers at the front of the stage this is of course their intention. Sometimes they will double the same drum grooves, other times they will play subtle differences. The objective is to make the groove even bigger and more pulsating. This way the songs keep going and never slow down. Only King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, who are also playing with two drummers, can match up to this at the moment.

With so many albums out, there's plenty of ammunition to fill the setlist. Of course the emphasis is on the last album Face Stabber, but throughout all these years and so many records, the songs have always sounded familiar. The psych rock punk songs will usually have groovy driven verses that are upbeats to explosive choruses, vicious shredding guitar solos and psychedelic krautrock jams. This never gets old and live this is impossible to resist. So people are dancing, jumping, stage diving and crowd surfing and are simply going mental.

At the end Dwyer says they will have three more songs, two pop rock songs and one long jam. 'Jettisoned' and 'C' are indeed followed by a long lovely version of 'Encryped Bounce' that keeps going forever and where the band spins into a long jam. It's a wonderful end to this night, as this band doesn't do encores. Afterwards at the busy merch table I meet fans with soaking wet shirts trying to get their hands on some of the merch. This was another amazing night with this one of a kind band.



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Setlist:
01. Nite Expo
02. Tidal Wave
03. The Dream
04. The Daily Heavy
05. Animated Violence
06. Gholü
07. Withered Hand
08. Toe Cutter / Thumb Buster
09. The Static God
10. Henchlock
11. I Come From the Mountain
12. Snickersnee
13. Plastic Plant
14. Jettisoned
15. C
16. Encryped Bounce


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New Sounds: Oh Sees - Smote Reverser

John Dwyer's musical output is still one of the highest in the industry and following Oh Sees' two record last year, there's now a addition to their catalog. Smote Reverser will be released at the end of the week and you can already listen to it now a few days ahead:



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Kliko Fest 2018

It's becoming a tradition that we visit the annual Kliko Fest in Haarlem, a garage punk rock 'n roll night festival at the Patronaat venue. It simply is such a fun night every year with a solid line-up, a wonderful audience and cold beers. This year the line-up simply looks amazing so we definitely couldn't miss it.

Kliko Fest 2018 at Patronaat Haarlem, July 14 2018

Nick Oliveri Band

I was surprised to see Nick Oliveri opening the night at the main stage, since most people don't come this early. Indeed there isn't a huge crowd yet, but this doesn't bother Oliveri for a bit. He's playing with his friends of the Dwarves, except for Paul Cafaro, who play the same stage after this one. Cafaro does have a guest appearance halfway the set. Oliveri gives us a walkthrough of his career playing songs from Mondo Generator, Dwarves and other solo projects. The bass player knows his way around the stoner, punk rock and heavy rock and has quite a respectable catalog to choose from. When he plays Queens of the Stone Age's 'Millionaire' it is clear though, the period he was in that band and earlier on in Kyuss, was his finest hour.



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Equal Idiots

Belgian band Equal Idiots are a really fun garage rock duo with catchy songs that are irresistible. The two young musicians have a contagious uplifting stage presence which makes their music even more fun to watch. Their energetic performance turns the small Patronaat cafe into a sweaty rock 'n roll spot and I'm sure they have made new friends tonight. As they tell themselves it's amazing so many people showed up while The Dwarves are playing the main stage at the same time.

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Dwarves

We catch the last part of Dwarves, the punk rock band founded by Paul Cafaro that Oliveri's has been part of once and a while as did many other members. They are considered one of the last true punk bands and formed in the late eighties. Of course the band has aged a bit but are trying hard to relive their golden years with a mix of their punk and hardcore songs. It turns into a festive show with a more than willing crowd and a wild pit in front of the stage. A not so well aimed stage dive by one of the audience members causes a bit of a scare but later we see the guy limbing towards the ambulance with a grin on his face. It's just one of those crazy wild parties that can happen at Kliko Fest.



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Los Mirlos

And so on this festival you can find yourself with a Peruvian psychedelic Kumbia band. This turns out to be a very tasty mix and the 45 year old band draw a rock crowd that can appreciate a tropical party. There are only a few older members in the band left, but together with their younger fellow musicians they are treating us to a hot Kumbia show that here and there has some ska ingredients. The band is clearly enjoying the crowd and the warm welcome.

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Birth Of Joy

Dutch band Birth of Joy seem to fit in at any kind of music festival around. They are playing big rock festivals but are also able to impress people at blues festivals and tonight heat up the main stage over here. This band has grown so much since their first album Make Things Happen almost ten years ago and only get better. Their sound has matured and these guys are amazing musicians with a stunning performance that knocks everyone off their feet. Another win for this must see band.

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The Mystery Lights

On the second stage The Mystery Lights are killing it tonight with bouncing ball Mike Brandon leading the pack. They are firing off vintage style garage rock songs and make them sound alive and fresh. We're watching the band from the balcony who are playing on the scarcely lit stage. The active Brandon is hardly standing still and the lively performance is wonderful to watch and puts a smile on many faces.

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FIDLAR

We continue the party at the main stage where FIDLAR are turning the hall into one wild pit. Shoes are flying around, people are flying around and everyone on and off stage is having a good time. FIDLAR's songs may not be the most original or subtle but you can give these guys a call when you want to have a good time. Sometimes it's just fun dancing along to songs about beer.



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ET Explore Me

The further the night progresses and the more beer is flowing the better the bands get. Local heroes ET Explore Me are giving a wild rock 'n roll show with a crazy organ flying loose. By now at every stage you turn to, people are dancing and enjoying the hell out of this festival. This band gives them exactly what they want so everyone can continue to boogie.

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Oh Sees

For me Oh Sees, or OC's or Thee Oh Sees, or whatever name John Dwyers's group goes by these days, is the biggest name on the bill. I'm surprised to see it is less crowded than the FIDLAR show. Maybe it's the time of the show, since it is already getting late, although this is a night festival of course. Besides changing their name, the band fortunately hasn't changed a thing about their music which is still to the point. This band simply are one of the best on the scene, with all musicians including the two drummers lined up at the front of the stage. The group is playing extremely tight, with a show that has an incredible tempo and never dies down. Tonight they are playing with a lot of power and are tearing down the roof one more time. Definitely the highlight of the night, which is already full of incredible performances.

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Although there are still some bands playing, we call it a night and leave on a high. Kliko Fest is one of the best rock festivals around with the coolest, dirtiest and most fun bands around and without a doubt one of the best crowds. The vibes are so good here and people come here to simply have the best time and party like there's no tomorrow. We are definitely coming back next year again.

Al Pictures

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New Sounds: Damaged Bug - Bunker Funk

If anyone can keep up with all of John Dwyer's side projects and their releases, you probably haven't heard them all. Best known as Thee Oh Sees' front man, he is doing so much more. He will release a new Damaged Bug album Bunker Funk on Friday where he explores his electronic side. Although his production his, so is the quality of his output since like always it's worth listening to it. So here you go:

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New Sounds: Thee Oh Sees - A Weird Exits

Busy bee John Dwyer has finished another Thee Oh Sees album A Weird Exits. It's the follow up to last year's Mutilator Defeated At Last and the first one to feature the two drummers Ryan Moutinho and Dan Rincon. Together with bassist Tim Hellman, this is the band he has been playing live with for a while now. A few weeks ago they released the live album Live In San Francisco. It's gotta be nice to have your own record label. Listen to the new LP below:



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Primavera Sound 2015 Day 3

Another glorious day begins with lots of sunshine and smoothies at the beach, followed by some wonderful tapas. There are no "must-see" acts to start off the day, so we can stroll around the festival site for a bit and just take a look at some of the bands kicking it off early.

Primavera Sound 2015 Day 3 May 30 2015

Opatov
The H&M Pro stage is the smallest of all stages and hosts promising new bands or at least bands that are not very well known. There are many Spanish bands lined up here and Opatov is one of them. The young band look a bit timid on the stage where most people are hanging around on the concrete stand and stairs. Their garage rock music is quite catchy though and the boys look like they are having lots of fun. And in the end that rubs off on the people watching so in the end everyone wins.

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Holy Paul
We decide to stick around at the small stage to see Holy Paul. This Spanish band has been around for a few years but the members look quite experienced and professional. Their rock music reminds of Miles Kane, but less "in your face" and with more old style rock 'n roll influences. It still can't persuade many people to leave their spot in the sun and do a little dance but it does get them a lot of applause.

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The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger
The couple Sean Lennon and Charlotte Kemp Muhl started this band in 2008 which resulted in a few singles and albums that didn't get a lot of exposure. Their last album Midnight Sun is more widely available and was mostly positively received. Of course with such a famous last name it will draw plenty of people and so they are playing the big Primavera stage. But even without this famous reference the band prove to be worthy of the stage. Their seventies style psychedelic songs are well performed and sound wonderful. Lennon's voice is clear and he has gathered a fine group of musicians around him. There's no way ignoring the big legacy he's carrying with him of course and maybe the late The Beatles more psychedelic period has influenced him. Absolutely nothing wrong with that and I would love to see more of them, preferably in a dark club like Paradiso.



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Einsturzende Neubauten
This experimental German band has been around for many years and nothing really compares to them. Crazy self made instruments like big pvc pipes as drums, drills and a large bin full of big iron pins emptying are used to create their dark soundscapes. Singer Lixa Bargeld's voice reminds of Nick Cave sometimes but that is as close any comparison can get. It is a very interesting and intriguing performance and the fact that the large crowd is not leaving, shows a lot of people can appreciate this remarkable German collective.



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Unknown Mortal Orchestra
Days before the festival I saw Ruban Nielson and his band play many new songs off his great new album Multi-Love. Tonight he's playing in the dark at the Adidas Originals stage and we find him in a good mood. He has all the reason to be in a good mood, since there's a big turn up for their show and the crowd is also very enthusiastic. They sing along to the songs they know and the band is in great shape. The new songs are well received here as well and it underlines the rising star of this band. In the end this is one of their best performances I have seen of them.



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The Strokes
It's time for one of my most anticipated shows of the festival. I'm not alone in this since a huge crowd has gathered in front of the Primavera stage. I love this band and of course their first albums are iconic. We get a greatest hits set that has all the songs you can wish for. There doesn't seem to be a lot of chemistry between the band members on stage, nor do I see a lot of eye contact between them. Then again they always had this kind of healthy British arrogant attitude.

Julian Casablancas doesn't always sound great and doesn't seem to be in great shape. Sometimes it sounds as if he's running out of breath and the newer songs simply can't compete with the monumental older hits like 'Last Nite' and a furious 'Juicebox'. However those hit songs are simply too good to play badly, even an out of shape Casablancas or The Strokes can't screw that up. When you see a show like this, it is remarkable how many hit songs they wrote. It's not disappointing at all, but it's just not the same band as they were a few years ago. I really hope they can return to that super form and come up with brilliant new songs again and kill on stage.



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Sun God Replica
We return to the small H&M stage where Aussie heavy rockers Sun God Replica are playing. Their 70s style heavy rock sounds powerful and it is a lot of fun watching them sweat and rock through their set. It's the right time for such a solid rock band, late at night when the cervezas are starting to get the best of you and it feels like you're in a bar watching a rock band.

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Thee Oh Sees
You can never go wrong with the very productive garage rocker John Dwyer and his Thee Oh Sees. Of course there's a new album Mutilator Defeated At Last which sounds great again. This time he brought two drummers, which in my opinion isn't much useful when they play exactly the same drum parts like tonight. But it looks great on stage and does add even more energy to the never boring Thee Oh Sees songs. The new songs are in line with all the early material and the crowd is going completely mental. I still miss Brigid Dawson on stage though, since she adds a bit of subtlety and a female touch to the testosterone bomb on stage.



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Hookworms
We head to the other side of the site to the Adidas stage again, where Hookworms are playing. I was impressed with their album The Hum, where you can hear a mix of punkrock and psychedelic rock. Together with the sometimes hysterical singing and screaming of singer MJ and the frequent use of drones, it makes for a very interesting show, that is right at its place in the dark late at night. I'm looking forward to seeing them again at the Best Kept Secret festival in a few weeks.



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And so we end this night and the festival on an absolute high. This was definitely the best day and we enjoyed every minute of this wonderful festival and city. Primavera Sound celebrated its 15th anniversary in style with lots of sunshine, an appealing line-up and great memories. The day after we have a little treat with Jambinai and more The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger in the Parc de la Ciutadella, some more tapas and wine, but then we really have to leave lovely Barcelona and head home.

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Primavera Sound Day 1
Primavera Sound Day 2


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Wild Garage Rock Party With Thee Oh Sees And Traumahelikopter

Originally I had other plans and was a little bumped out that I had to miss the Thee Oh Sees at the Melkweg. I really love their energetic and creative psychedelic garage rock. At the day of the show I found out my plans were cancelled. To top it off that wild and crazy rock band traumahelikopter were playing the support. Needless to say where I was gonna be that night.

Thee Oh Sees at Melkweg Amsterdam, August 25 2014



traumahelikopter
The so called "old hall" of the Melkweg has already filled up nicely for traumahelikopter. The Dutch band from Groningen in the north of The Netherlands took our country by storm last year and played everywhere. This year they released their second album I Don't Understand Them At All, that shows the band are evolving and their new songs show more depth. On stage the three piece is still the same somewhat unorganized bunch of energy. The band knocks out their short songs in a fast pace and only slows down occasionally, while playing mostly on an almost dark stage (which explains my poor pictures). They don't forget about their new album and play a few new songs that go down well. It doesn't get as wild as some of their other gigs, but the pit in front of the stage shows they appreciate the howling rockers.



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Thee Oh Sees
The Thee Oh Sees also show they mean business tonight right form the start. The three musicians put down an irresistible groove and never let it slip for the rest of the night. Master mind John Dwyer is the only true member of the band as the rest wanted to take a break from it all, after recording their latest album Drop. Dwyer found great replacements who know how to treat his music. You do kind of miss Brigid Dawson who added subtle keyboard parts, tambourine playing and vocals.



It's only a minor detail in a rock show that is one big garage rock celebration from one of the best in this scene. It's a very strong set where the band knows exactly when to stretch their jams and when to end a song. The lighting didn't get a lot better, but except for poor pictures it adds to the atmosphere and the psychedelic side of the music. Song by song the crowd gets more excited and by the end half of the hall is one big jumping pit. In the encore both the band and the crowd give it all one more time before calling it a day. If you haven't seen them before make sure you do next time they are around, since psychedelic garage rock doesn't get much better than this.



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New Sounds: Thee Oh Sees - Singles Collection Volume 3

Garage rockers Thee Oh Sees are a very productive bunch of people. They keep knocking out new songs the same way Santa is handing out candy. But you know even though the quantity is high so is the quality. They will release Singles Collection Volume Three on November 26. It has some pretty rare material on it and is a must-have for any fan. The vinyl version will get three colours: Pepto pink/coke bottle green, grape soda/French vanilla, electric blue with strawberry haze. That's right. Pre-order apparently are ongoing but I can't out find where. I will add a link over here when I do. In the meantime stream the LP down below.

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Thee Oh Sees Break Out A Sweat

The Californian band Thee Oh Sees were a sensation earlier this year at Le Guess Who? Mayday edition. Their garage punkrock and energetic performance impressed everyone including the critics. You would think they were the latest hot newcomer, but have been around since 1997. The productive band that saw many name changes released seven records in five years as Thee Oh Sees. Front man John Dwyer is in more bands than there are "bitches" in an average hip-hop song. Time to go see this band for myself.

Thee Oh Sees at Bitterzoet Amsterdam, July 22 2013



Today is probably one of the hottest days this year and we may be in the middle of a heat wave. Although it is warm in the Bitterzoet club, it could be worse. But Thee Oh Sees are warming up the sold out club a lot more. Right from the start they are showing they mean business. Within no time a pit forms in front of the stage that keeps on going until the end of the show. Where do those youngsters get the energy from? They get it from the hard rocking band, with their catchy garage rock songs.



Those songs have more to offer than you would think. The solid and tight rhythm section, Petey Dammit on bass and Mike Shoun on drums, is laying down grooves that make it impossible to stand still. On top Dwyer is playing his irresistable riffs. Brigid Dawson is finishing it off with subtle synth parts and tambourine. She's also adding background vocals and harmonies into the mix that shouldn't be underestimated. Together with Dwyer's vocals the result is stunning: a contagious and lively performance.



Compared to the records the songs get more rough which is a very good thing. Songs are getting longer versions because of added jams. Drums and bass are often creating repeating grooves in those jams, that make you go into a trance. Explosions of noise will get you back to reality again. It creates so much energy that the club explodes with them and sparks some occasional crowd surfing. The whole time the band keeps a fast pass, except once in the encore during a slower song. By that time every one is soaking wet. Their latest album Floating Coffin proves this band can make great music and write snappy songs. However live on stage they are showing to be even better.

Unfortunately it is hard to make decent pictures with a compact camera in Bitterzoet because of the lighting. Anyway here are the ones where at least you can make out what's in the picture.

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