Reflections of Darkness - Music Magazine - Summer Darkness

Details: Written by: Roos Glastra & Jolijn Calle; Published: 18 August 2006

Article Index

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Summer Darkness, Utrecht, The Netherlands
11th of August 2006
VNV Nation, Clan of Xymox, Faderhead, Frozen Plasma, The Birthday Massacre, Revolution by Night, Star Industry, Antaraxia, GOR

Summer Darkness had of course been opened with the Bauhaus performance on Thursday but the official opening was today. As every year some bands were chosen to perform in the Domchurch (the central church of Utrecht). A wonderful location for the opening of a goth festival.It is always fun to see an entire church filled with people dressed in black and neon colours. Probably the most odd gathering ever in this church. Ataraxia and GOR, both Italian Bands would do an acoustic set, and use the big church as a way to strengthen their sound. Everybody knows about it, and a lot of people wanted to be there. This meant that the church would fill up quite fast, and there was a queue outside, before the first band begun. When I got in, a lot of different people were sitting in the benches and on the extra chairs that were pulled out. But the atmosphere was good, people were looking forward to the festival, and most were meeting up with friends. This was going to be an enchanting start. So after a little talk from the organisation it was time for some music.

Ataraxia

Ataraxia is an Italian folk band. They performed twice on this edition of Summer Darkness. One of them would be at the opening concert. They started pretty much on time. This gig was filled with medieval folk music.

Music
The female singer (Francesca) begins singing in a lower soprano voice, opera style, in which she is guided by simple drums. Later on the male singer (Giovanni) follows her lead and starts chanting the same way. Both of them have very pretty voices; the reach of Francesca is quite big. This song feels like a blessing song. It doesn’t have lyrics; the singing is just a voice, and sound. The second song also features a guitar, slowly and softly. Even though the sound is very good, Francesca almost eats the microphone. With her strong voice this can be a bit too much for the amps, and they tend to crack a bit then. Most of the set is filled with these kind of songs. Sometimes they will use some bells of the stage, and sometimes just the simplicity of the drums. One of the songs is about Atlantis, the sea is being reproduced by little stones on a tambourine, and another instrument that sounds more like a coffee machine. Besides that, the show if filled with a serene atmosphere, and was very magical.

Performance
The band was standing underneath the big organ, on a small stage, overlooking the crowd. All dressed in black, with the only white being the shirts of the men. The instruments being used were not so many, the acoustic guitar, Tambourines and a lot of bells. Francesca took care of most of the singing and the bells, while the rest made the music. During the performance I constantly have the feeling I’m being blessed, due to the serenity of the songs and the way Francesca holds her hands up to the air. For the last few songs the Giovanni goes of the stage. After half an hour their time was up, they thanked the audience and went of stage.

Rating
Music 8
Performance 6
Light -
Sound 8
Total 7

Gor

All the way from Italy, now in the Domchurch in Utrecht. With this band classicist Banchini (from Ataraxia) brought a mixture of ethnic and medieval music from different places in the world such as the south of Italy, eastern Europe and the Middle East.

Music
Without any announcement Gor started to play. the sound of drums and an eastern sounding whistle filled the church. Italian vocals replace the whistle. Banchini also uses clapping as a musical addition. het does not stand close to the microphone but still his voice fills the church, as do the drums of the girls who are playing besides. this first song turned out to be an invocation to the gods, especially for this festival. Later one of the drums is exchanged for an accordion. Bachini plays different flutes from the Middle East. Over all the music is quiet, but full of passion.

Performance
While Banchini is singing you can see the emotions on his face and hear the emotions in his voice, it is wonderful to see and hear him sing. He is radiant when he is singing, he clearly enjoys what he is doing. When he plays the flute you can see his whole body move to the sound of the flute. He is the centre of attention for he is standing and both girls are sitting (and so is the audience).

Rating
Music 8
Performance 6
Light -
Sound 7
Total 7 (6,8)

Star Industry

One of the first gothic rock bands of Summer Darkness. They are from Belgium. Their last album was released in 2001 so it is time for something new and we will get this in September this year when the new album, which they have recorded with producer Luc van Acker.

Music
It was the keyboard that brought this music to live. The vocals were constant, no extreme highs or lows. The backing vocals of their guitarist however do bring some depth. They performed a cover of Depeche Modes 'Enjoy The Silence'. Their singer just does not have the voice for this song, even though they did make their own version and not just tried to copy the original. The guitar was responsible for the high parts in the music. 'We Are The Lost Generation" was one of the more active songs of the performance and it was definitely more energetic, the music has a bigger part in this song than the vocals.

Performance
During their performance the venue became more crowded, perhaps people had to walk over from the church. Because of the enthusiasm of the singer he did get the audience to participate in their show, though the applause Star Industry received was just as mild as the band. Both the guitarist and the singer wore sunglasses, a show element which was used more during this weekend. there were a lot of flashing and coloured lights to light the stage but due to the huge amount of smoke that visibility was taken away again at times.

Rating
Music 6
Performance 7
Sound 7
Light 6
Total 7 (6,5)

Revolution By Night

With 3 people on the stage, and only 40 minutes, Steve Weeks had to show something. Being one of the Slimelight DJ’s (hot Goth club in London), he already has a name, even before getting on stage. He and his band mate Bryon invited Phil Eaton to join them this time for a gig filled with electricity.

Music
The sound of Revolution by night is not extremely original, Its simple sound is a mix between electro, synth pop, with some EBM influences. The base of every song is the same, and even though every song has his own samples and tunes, they are all still very much alike. This makes the music very good to dance to, since it is not necessary to pay attention to understand it. The simple tunes have their willing impact, since most of the venue is really dancing to it. Besides saying its fun and easy listening, for a reviewer there is not much more to say about the music.

Performance
Well, like I said. There were 3 people on stage. Steve weeks, who was singing and dancing around was very active and spontaneous on stage. He has a good voice, that I think he could even improve, it’s a very nice voice to listen to. Also he is not afraid to jump around and really have some fun on stage. The audience picks up the vibe, and after a few songs most people are dancing as well.
Bryon Adamson and Phil Eaton were both behind their keys and were jumping behind the kit. The energy was beaming of both of them. The band was having fun with each other as well, this made it fun to watch. Besides that the stage was not decorated, and there wasn’t a whole lot to see. After about 35 minutes Steve says goodbye, and the synths finish the last track.

Rating
Music 7
Performance 7
Sound 8
Light 8
Total 7 (7,3)

The Birthday Massacre

Even thought their name is well know this band from Canada is 'only' six years old. They were formed in 2000 and independently recorded and produced their first two albums, they are now under the wings of Repo Records in Europe and Metropolis records in North America.

Music
This double faced element is audible as well, she can have a real dolls voice but the next minute she can scream and sound like a little devil. She might not be one of the best singers out there but she knows how to use her voice and is the perfect singer for this band. The first song of the performance got the party started but after that there was a little dip. But then they played us a new song (of which they didn't mention the title) but it was a very cheerful song with some nice rock elements as well. The show ended with a bang, a very catchy song to which nobody could stand still. This show was a definite success.

Performance
From the start it was great fun to see this band on stage, in the back there is a drummer but in the front there are three guitarists and one keyboard player lined up and they don't stand still. All of them are constantly moving and you can see them have fun. Then Chibi (vocals) joins them on stage and the party is complete. Chibi is an example of a twisted little girl. One moment she can be smiling, the next she seems to belong in an asylum for the mentally disturbed. All men are dressed in blouses with ties, Chibi is wearing a black dress. In between vocal parts she is dancing on the stage, she has some nice arm movements. As was expected with this band the venue was packed.

Rating
Music 7
Performance 8
Sound 7
Light 7
Total 7 (7,4)

Frozen Plasma

After NamNamBulu Vasi Vallis was bored. He had his Industrial project Reaper (a review of this performance can be found on Saturday), and performing live with VNVnation, but besides that he wanted to do some more. Meeting up with Felix Marc (Diorama) last year was a fruitful event. The two decided to see what they could create together, and there it is: Frozen Plasma. With Vasi behind the keys, and Felix being the leading vocals this time, they had one hour to prove themselves in Tivoli.

Music
Music wise this band knows how to use the different styles of music and combine it to something new. They had a short intro, which soon clashed into the first song. The singer’s voice wasn’t very good, but he’s doing quite well, and is very enthusiastic. Later on in the show his voice gets better and better, maybe because he seems to relax a bit more. During ‘betrayed’ the audience was really starting to dance and party. All the music is electronically, its electropop with a faster beat makes you bounce of the wall, the samples and tunes used can make you nervous, of just dance the night away. Some songs actually have a message in them. That’s pretty cool. They aren’t overdoing it, Just every now and a again, something to think about. Besides that the music is divers enough to keep you interested.

Performance
Only two men on stage, and still it feels like the stage is filled. The big Video projection in thee back might have something to do with that. Two red lights with the FP logo on them on the sides makes sure you won’t miss what band is playing. The Singer is energetic, and is having a lot of fun on stage. In the back Vasi does his work, and even though, he doesn’t have a chance of moving a lot, you can see he is having fun. Both of them are nicely dressed, simple but stylish. Besides this, with the band is it more about the music then the performance. So I will leave it with this.

Rating
Music 8
Performance 7
Sound 8
Light 7
Total 7 (7,4)

Clan of Xymox

This band has been around for quite some time now, they were founded in 1984 in Amsterdam. Now in 2006 they have released a new album called 'Breaking Point'. One of their band members was walking through the venue before the performance, very nervous, was that necessary? I think not.

Music
The show started with a spoken intro and then an easy dark beat. The second song brought more energy into the venue, people started dancing (and there was even some more light on stage). The vocals are part of the music, they don't lead it they have an even share in the sound. This is great music to lose your self to. Dance along to the beats and float through the songs in the trance they can get you in.

Performance
A lot of smoke and not so much light, which was the stage for Clan of Xymox. A pity for it could have given the show an extra dimension. They did have a wonderful backdrop with their band logo on it. Their singer could get the audience to clap along with him. Their guitarist were more in their own world and kept it cool, although they seemed to warm up to the audience during the performance. The keyboard player was clearly enjoying herself on stage. During the performance more and more people started to dance.

Rating
Music 7
Performance 7
Sound 7
Light 6
Total 7 (6,8)

Faderhead

Being Busy in the music industry for over 10 years and having worked with all sorts of different genres, the Album FH1 was out. With that Faderhead set his own sound. Tonight, accompanied by drummer Alex Montana and keyboard Christine LaGivrée, it is time fot Faderhead to show us what he’s got, live.

Music
Live, his music sounds raw, punky and more aggressive then the previous bands. He knows how to start a party. His songs are compact, divers. The Sounds is harsh and darker, it’s more leaning to industrial every now and again. The aggressive sounds come out even better; when Faderhead also picks up the guitar so slam some more power into the set. With a base in electro, he picks up influences from punk, industrial, and techno. It makes the set very danceable. Joining in for one hour, can make you lose 4 pounds!

Performance
The performance of Faderhead himself is very energetic, he is having a blast on stage, and he has a good vibe. This vibe is also picked up by the audience who is moving as well, and raising their fists in the air. Both other musicians seem to be a bit quieter on stage. Of course, you cannot do that much behind a drum kit. Christine does dance along to the songs, but in a more shy way. The lights are adjusted well to the show, they are part of thee atmosphere in the show, and done very well.

Rating
Music 7
Performance 7
Sound 7
Light 7
Total 7

VNV Nation

There were high expectations for this UK duo. Their latest album 'Matter And Form' was very well received. They were the closing act of day 2 and Tivoli was crowded.

Music
The band accepts suggestions from the audience, Harris sings an a capella song. It sounds good. I heard so many bad things about his vocal qualities that I was pleasantly surprised. While walking up and down the stage full of energy Harris gave an occasional shout. He might not be one of the best singers out there but his enthusiasm and cheerfulness makes up for that. Besides being cheered up by the singer this band makes you dance. It can get you in a trance. Songs such as 'Homeward' from the new album are perfect for that.

Performance
The beat starts, cheers all around, the stage fills with smoke, blue and purple lights are moving. the band enters the stage, again beats an cheers. Mark Jackson was standing behind his drums. Ronan Harris was talking to the audience, he keeps in touch with them all through the performance, joking and asking from which countries the audience comes; England, Belgium, Greece, Scotland, France, quite the gathering of nationalities. During the performance there were constant video projections. While singing "I Hate War" you could see projections of soldiers on the screen. There were a lot of flashing lights, lighting the stage and all people dancing (even in the back of the venue).

Rating
Music 7
Performance 8
Sound 7
Light 6
Total 7 (7,3)