Pagan Folk Festival - Utrecht 2007

In Gowan Ring

B’eirth is the musician behind In Gowan Ring. Tonight however he did not perform alone but was accompanied by Oliver, Fiona and Rudiger of Faun.

Music
His voice is very delicate, soft, dreamy. This is music to dream away to. Acoustic guitar played by B’eirth himself, Harp played by Oliver, a drum by Rudiger and flute played by Fiona. This all adds to the soft and dreamy sound of In Gowan Ring. It is a very soothing sound. The final song was dedicated to the lovers of dance and wine, although it wasn’t really party music. Fiona’s soft voice was a great touch extra to the whispered vocals of B’eirth.



Performance
At the back of the stage there were 5 flags, all projected with In Gowan Ring. This would change during the evening, a wonderful way of decorating the stage. There was little to see on stage. The musicians were all very still and solemn. The lights were still and mostly dark as well.

Rating
Music: 7
Performance: 6  
Sound: 7
Light: 5
Total: 6 (6,3)

Sieben

Again just a one man band, Matt Howden this time. Some had come to this little festival especially to see Sieben. When seeing him play you can understand why.

Music
He was playing completely by himself but sounded like a complete band. He had a repeat button on stage. Playing first the base of the song and then having that repeat its self, then adding a new element. He hardly sings, it is more like speaking musically. The music almost feels like a trance. At the end of his performance he is also joined by the same Faun members as B’eirth.



Performance
Even though you might think that just one guy is no fun watching, it can be. Matt is so in to his own music, fully concentrated and enjoying himself. Sweat dripping from his head. Songs end with one push of the button. He plays his violin with his stick but also with his hands and even with his mouth. The backdrops are used again, even a wonderful landscape is projected on it.



Rating
Music: 8
Performance: 7  
Sound: 7
Light: 6
Total: 7 (6,9)






Faun

We had to miss them for a while since Castlefest but tonight they were here again, Faun. With their newly released DVD it is of course time for Faun to come and play in the Netherlands again. Unfortunately they had forgotten their DVD in Berlin so now we will all have to come see them in Rijswijk and buy it there.

Music
It seemed as though Faun had adapted their sound this evening. The beats were louder then usual and most vocal parts by Fiona and Lisa were sung higher then usual. The extra beats gave the music another intention but it did make it more alive. Songs such as ‘Iyansa’ were very intense. One of their first songs was ‘Andro’ a dancing song. Olivers tip was to “just grab each others pinkie and act traditional”, and then you’ll be fine. There were some new songs on the set list this evening. One with Finnish lyrics and there was also an Arabic song (Zachara) added to their list. Great new songs which make me curious about what the new album will bring us. It was now time to turn the tables and Sieben came to play with Faun. Not a Faun but a Sieben song, very rich with all those instruments added to it.



Performance
Although it was a bit dark on stage the light was atmospheric. And the atmosphere which was set, was great. Warm, dark and mysterious. There was great use of the projected flags in the back. Sometimes images from albums were used, at times with lyrics projected on to them. The band seemed to enjoy themselves though they were nervous. This was as Oliver told us, due to the fact that they were performing new songs. He told us they were nervous “like young rabbits”. It showed that they were nervous but they did forget this at times, for instance when Oliver was playing ‘Iyansa’ he totally lost himself in to the music. The stage was almost dark at this time but due to a blue spot light there was a wonderful shadow of Oliver on the wall of the Helling.  At the end of their show they all bowed together but they hardly got the chance to get off stage before the audience was shouting ‘zugabe’ (we want more).
After thanking everybody who had made this tour possible, Oliver dedicated their next song to Omnia, their friends who couldn’t be here tonight because they had to play themselves.



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