Flugplatz Borkenberge, Lüdinghausen, Germany29th to 31st August 2008
Area4 Festival Day 3: Leo Can Dive, Louis XIV, Paulus, The Blackout, The Subways, The Folks, Stereo Inn, Dredg, C for Caroline, Samavayo, Scars on Broadway, Beta Satan, Gogol Bordello, Bloodlights, The Checks, Apocalyptica, Goldfinger, Soulfly
Final day of the Area4 Festival. Not only the summer was in best form, also the line-up had some first class bands in stock. One of the favourites was surely Finnish APOCALYPTICA with their extraordinary cello performance.
Leo Can Dive - Main Stage
The four members of LEO CAN DIVE already followed the call of music in their early teens, inspired by grunge and poppy punk. The first results of their work could be heard in 2005, on the ‘Gatecrasher’ EP receiving good critics in an MTV show. However, that was not the time of breakthrough yet. It came slowly through lots of concerts as support for MADSEN, THE SUBWAYS or LOUIS XIV where they garnered a steady growing fan base and when the first self-titled album came out in 2007, the time had come. LEO CAN DIVE are Matthias Schmitz (vocals, guitar), Leonard Schupper (lead guitar), Guido Conrad (drums) and André Lapehn (bass). http://www.leocandive.de/ / http://www.myspace.com/leocandive
Music & Performance
Like some other acts on the festival it wasn’t the first Area4 show of LEO CAN DIVE. Last year they’ve opened the festival. This time they’re opener’s again but for the Sunday morning on the main stage. As expected, there was no mass of people showing up (you know why) but whether it’s 100 or just 10, LEO CAN DIVE gave a 100 %, well not right from the start, because there were some text problems during the third song after the first two ran through flawlessly, but luckily this was the only incident during the show and the rest of the show went off without errors, some more rocking tunes and a few clapping spectators.
Rating
Music: 6
Performance: 6
Sound: 7
Light: - (daylight)
Total: 6.2
Louis XIV - Main Stage
Lead singer/guitarist Jason Hill and guitarist Brian Karscig formed the group in April 2003 while living in Paris. Bassist Mark Maigaard and drummer James Armbrust joined the line-up soon afterwards. Already in November of the same year, the debut and as it is often, self-titled album was released independently on Pineapple Recording Group, a label founded by Jason and Brian, and sold over a 20.00 copies in the first six months. In the following time the band toured quite a bit and appeared on the famous Jonatahan Ross TV on British radio. The band released an EP entitled ‘Illegal Tender’ in January 2005, followed in March by their second full-length album, ‘The Best Little Secrets Are Kept’. Their newest album, ‘Slick Dogs and Ponies’, produced by Hill, was released on January 2008. LOUIS XIV are Jason Hill (vocals, bass, guitar, piano engineer, producer), Brian Karscig (vocals, guitar, bass, piano) Mark Maigaard (drums) and James Armbrust (bass). http://www.louisxiv.net/ / http://www.myspace.com/louisxiv
Music & Performance
If it’s so hot like it was on this Sunday Morning, without any shadows or clouds in the sky, making it a little more bearable, you at least need some coolness on stage and that four-piece from San Diego could come up with enough of that. They entered the stage, dressed up in black, with sunglasses and accompanying hats, they looked like coming out of a darker version of a Blues Brothers movie. Their music, somewhere between AC/DC and THE CLASH was anything but contemplative and even if they weren’t the big posers and didn’t do stunts, they broke swat during the performance what caused singer Jason Hill to drop his jacket. But before that happened thy thanked everyone who got up at this early hour to see them and admitted they were still a bit sleepy either. After some hot rock tunes, it was time for something calmer with a beautiful ballad, sung by guitarist Brian Karscig, who also played the piano during the song, together with Jason Hill. After about 30 minutes and some songs later, it was already time for the four to leave to make way for THE BLACKOUTS.
Rating
Music: 7
Performance: 8
Sound: 7
Light: - (daylight)
Total: 7.3
Paulus - Coca Cola Soundwave Tent
Like the other day, the “morning” at the Coca Cola Soundwave Tent started with the Open Stage and the hosting band PAULUS. Again people could come on stage and play instruments or sing songs from a list of 50 tracks. At first, PAULUS entered the stage to perform a song I hadn’t heard in a long time: JAMIROQUAI’s ‘Deeper Underground’. Now to the brave attendees on stage. Today we celebrated a reunion with a track “we would recognize with its first tone” reassured by the second singer and co host Daniel and indeed, we heard that song before: It was ‘Killing in the name of’ by RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, but some other surprises were waiting for us with the OASIS classic ‘Wonderwall’ in two variations; one sung by Aljoscha Paulus while the guy on stage played guitar and the second one boy also sung the title. Common to both versions was the audience loudly singing along after some little encouragement. But my personal highlight was the showcase of an absolute classic: NIRVANA’s ‘Smells like Teen Spirit’. Not only that I really dig that song, the performance was just great with fair power and sweat driving stage action.
Rating
Music: 7
Performance: 8
Sound: 7
Light: 7
Total: 7.3
The Blackout - Main Stage
The band, formed in South Wales in 2003, is playing post hardcore with both screaming and melodic vocals. After a while of playing as support for the LOSTPROPHETS, the band released a mini album, entitled ‘The Blackout! The Blackout! The Blackout!’, sounds really catchy. However, the band did a lot of touring with the likes of FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND, FIGHTSTAR etc. and was nominated for Best British Artist at the Kerrang! Awards 2006. On 1st October, the debut ‘We are the Dynamite!’ was released. It became the fastest selling album on their label Fierce Panda Records. THE BLSCKOUT are Sean Smith (vocals), Gavin Butler (vocals), James Davies (guitar), Matthew Davies (guitar), Rhys Lewis (bass) and Gareth Lawrence (drums). http://www.theblackoutmusic.co.uk/ / http://www.myspace.com/theblackout
Music & Performance
The kings of strange announcements were, without any doubt, THE BLACKOUT from South Wales; and the so far loudest act on the main stage. Dedicating all their songs to SLIPKNOT, they started off with the track ‘Hard Slammin’ and after the first minutes of that song, even the last sleepy spectator who had dared to come here was ruggedly torn out of their lethargy. Slicing punk riffs propelled by wild drumming and clean as well as screaming chant filled the air. But let’s come to the statements. Prior to ‘I know you are But What Am I’ he said that this one would be dedicated to all women he still wants to sleep with and later after a song, supposed to be a blend of MADONNA and PANTHERA (Did anyone actually notice that?) one of the singers demanded to send nude photos of men, women and animals (Sheep were mentioned) to their MySpace site. I couldn’t believe what I just heard from up there, very strange kind of humour, but if you leave that aside, then you can say they delivered one hell of a show and their microphone tricks strangely reminded me of yesterday’s performance of THE HIVES.
Rating
Music: 6
Performance: 9
Sound: 7
Light: - (daylight)
Total: 7
The Subways - Main Stage
All the band members grew up together and already started playing at an early age. Before they changed the name to THE SUBWAYS, they had names such as MUSTARDSEES and PLATPYRUS. One day the band sent off a CD to promoter Michael Eavis, who ran an unsigned band competition; and what they didn’t expect happened they won and played a gig in Glastonbury. From there on it only got better. The band signed to City Pavement & Infectious Records in late 2004 and released their first album ‘Young for Eternity’ in July 2005 and the debut single reached number 25 in the UK music chart. They songs meanwhile have appeared in TV series and movies and they not only toured in Europe but also through North America. The sophomore album ‘All or Nothing’ was released in June and presents a much heavier sound than their debut. THE SUBWAYS are Billy Lunn (guitar, vocals), Charlotte Cooper (bass, vocals) and Josh Morgan (drums). http://www.thesubways.net/ / http://www.myspace.com/thesubways
Music & Performance
The upcoming show of the British trio THE SUBWAYS seemed to be a good reason for a lot of people to hurry to the main stage this afternoon. I for one hadn’t heard much from them before, but knew one special song, probably belonging to the inventory of their shows; and I was curious what would happen on stage. Jubilation everywhere when Billy Lunn, Josh Morgan and Charlotte Cooper and with the first sing of the set the audience got already carried away completely to the pacey, driving garage rock and it was mostly Billy, inciting the crowd to tilt, whilst taking a bath in the crowd, storming the photographer’s pit or just rocking the stage, but also the pretty bass player Charlotte couldn’t be kept from moving around all the time, banging her head like a real pro. After a short visit at the Soundwave Tent I returned to see the rest of the show and shortly after I joined the crowd again, they announced ‘Rock’n’Roll Queen’. Frenetic dancing and loud singing followed and for the last time the band gave everything. A part of the song was even using in German. A bit strange at first, but a nice gesture to the German fans.
Setlist
01. Kalifornia
02. Oh Yeah
03. Alright
04. Mary
05. Shake! Shake!
06. I Want To Hear What You Have got To Say
07. With You
08. Girls & Boys
09. Rock’n’Roll Queen
Rating
Music: 7
Performance: 9
Sound: 8
Light: - (daylight)
Total: 8
The Folks - Coca Cola Soundwave Tent
The initial name of that band from Darmstadt was ALFRED E. NEUMANN. In 2007, they started with intense song writing and first gigs were performed. A year later they’re still performing but they’ve also started their first professional studio recording, resulting in their first album, due for a release in September. THE FOLKS are Leon (vocals, rhythm guitar), Jonathan (lead guitar), Aeneas (bass) and Christian (drums). http://www.myspace.com/alfredneumann
Music & Performance
The tent was nearly empty by the time I came to see the next newcomer band THE FOLKS and this wouldn’t change a lot. Announced by the host as band dedicated to acoustic pop, a bunch of very young guys appeared and sent out some greets to some girls (maybe their girlfriends). With clean voice and melancholic mood they started off and barely moved away from their respective places. After this hadn’t changed with the third song I left to see the rest of the show from THE SUBWAYS.
Rating
Music: 5
Performance: 5
Sound: 7
Light: 6
Total: 5.5
Stereo Inn - Coca Cola Soundwave Tent
For more than five years now, those five guys stream their pop songs somewhere between sympathetic indie rock and crazy country-folk, somehow reminding of the Beach Boys, The Beatles or Teenage fan club, At the end of 2007, they finally found a label with Off The Records, who released their debut EP ‘Welcome to the Stereo Inn’. STEREO INN are Lukas (vocals, guitar), Fabio (vocals, guitar), Guido (bass, vocals), Gonzo (keys, vocals) and Olli (drums). http://www.stereoinn.de/ / http://www.myspace.com/welcometothestereoinn
Music & Performance
Acoustic pop, the second, but with a higher fun factor, presented by STEREO INN; and there were quite a few people showing up at the tent; and the guys, entering the stage visibly had more fun on stage than the ones before. With nice polyphonic chant and a bit more drive in the songs they broke the ice very fast and could bring a small amount of people nearer to the stage because they needed some help with the next song ‘Next Time’ from their ‘Welcome to the Stereo Inn’. After a short rehearsal with the line “Na, Na, Na, Na, Na” from the chorus the song began and it worked out very well with the trained line and everyone had a good time. Keyboarder Gonzo switched from his instrument to the accordion sometime and happily made music with the others at the front.
Setlist
01. Rockshow
02. Café & Traffic Lights
03. Next Time
04. Wasted Look
05. Goodbye
06. St. John's
07. Carry On
Rating
Music: 7
Performance: 8
Sound: 8
Light: 7
Total: 7.5
Dredg - Main Stage
American band DREDG was founded in the mid 90s in the San Francisco Bay area. Back then the band played themselves a name through gigs in their hometown and their demos. In 1998, the band released their first full-length ‘Leitmotif’, a conceptual album about a man, travelling the world to cure his moral disease. Two years of touring followed, the band sent out some tapes with new songs and eventually signed a deal with Interscope Records, where the sophomore album ‘El Cielo’ was released in 2002, again a concept album about Salvador Dali's ‘Dream Caused by the Flight of a Bumblebee around a Pomegranate One Second Before Awakening’ and sleep paralysis. Whilst being on tour with ‘El Cielo’ the band begins working on the third album ‘Catch Without Arms’, like their previous releases, a concept album, released in June 2005. The band entered the studio beginning of 2008 to start the production of the new album. DREDG are Gavin Hayes (vocals, slide guitar, guitar), Drew Roulette (bass), Mark Engles (guitar) and Dino Campanella (drums, piano, organ). http://www.dredg.com/ / http://www.myspace.com/dredg
Music & Performance
Just about a month ago while preparing some introductions I stumbled across this band from California and came to really like their partly experimental approach to Alternative / Progressive Rock and so I was very much anticipating the show. The stage was already packed with various amps, a piano and some synths in the middle when I reached the main stage. After everyone was in the right place and a short welcome, they began with an instrumental track to be followed by a more aggressive song from the first album ‘Leitmotif’ but something was wrong because you could hardly hear Gavin’s voice. It just disappeared, came back and went again. Later he apologized for his voice problems “It’s one of those days” and continued with the quite melodic ‘Catch without Arms’ from the same-titled third album. What really bugged me was the extreme bass hardly bearable. Obviously, there was a problem with the corresponding amp.
Gavin skipped with fluid movements over a small part of the stage. Mostly he stayed in the nearer environment of the synths which were played live by the way. Something not many bands do these days. To ‘Sang Real’, a song mostly based on electronic drums, the drummer Dino Campanella played the piano. Other tracks like ‘Same ol’ Road’ ‘Bug Eyes’ and ‘Triangle’ followed. A rather experimental outro closed the set. DREDG really had big problems with their sound and Gavin’s vocals but if you condone this, it’ was a good performance and an experience of a very special kind. Hop to see them again some time.
Rating
Music: 9
Performance: 7
Sound: 5
Light: - (daylight)
Total: 8
C for Caroline - Coca Cola Soundwave Tent
The project C FOR CAROLINE is brought to life in August 2006 by Julian Öltjen and singer Max Ubben. In November, Dennis Frese on drums and Martin Schürger on bass completed the line-up. First they oriented themselves audibly on College Rock, before they decided to turn to emotional Pop Punk in March 2007. In November, the line-up grows for another time with the second guitarist Dean Elliot. In mid 2007, the band started to tour North Germany and a good year later reach the Top 10 of the Coca Cola Soundwave Discovery Tour. http://www.cforcaroline.de/ / http://www.myspace.com/cforcaroline
Music & Performance
Meanwhile back at the tent we got some pop punk with the five pals of C FOR CAROLINE, meaning practically no slower material but fast track sin the very best punk tradition and a Max Ubben with his peaked cap, dancing through the colourful enlightened stage to driving guitar riffs, pleasing the ears and a nice varied drumming, complemented by a lightly melancholic chant, but not many took notice of that because to this sound, there’s only one thing you should do; and that was dancing even if I didn’t see too much people doing it, during my short visit.
Setlist
01. Carry On
02. Her Day
03. Story so Far
04. Goodbye Masters
05. Emo-Song
06. Planet Radio Songs
Rating
Music: 7
Performance: 7
Sound: 7
Light: 7
Total: 7
Samavayo - Coca Cola Soundwave Tent
“SAMAVAYO is rock, pure and simple. Free from unnecessary technical gadgets” says the band, founded in Berlin and consisting of a group of friends who play together since their schooldays. All members, except the singer Behrang Alavi whose roots lie in Iran, come from Berlin. After their ‘death.march.melodies’ LP in 2005, they now prepared the next strike in the shape of the ‘Black’ and ‘White’ EPs, released in 2008. The white EP pulls emphasis on their poppy side, while the black one goes straight back to their roots. SAMAVAYO is Stephan Voland (drums, backing vocals), Behrang Alavi (vocals, guitar), Marco Wirth (guitar, backing vocals) and Andreas Voland (bass, backing vocals). http://www.samavayo.com/ / http://www.myspace.com/samavayo
Music & Performance
Asked for a name for their kind of style this band just answered ‘Fuel’. We shouldn’t have much time to wonder why anyone would use such a description, because when the band, led by their front man Behrang Alavi, stepped on stage and started their first sing, it was clear to everyone why. A storm of guitars was sweeping through the tent “without unnecessary technical gadgets” as the band says; and indeed: no electronic sounds, experimental interludes whatsoever but straight rock with an awful lot of energy; and without much posing the show went on sometimes faster, sometimes a bit calmer, always with nice vocal parts.
Rating
Music: 8
Performance: 7
Sound: 7
Light: 7
Total: 7.3
Scars on Broadway - Main Stage
The founder of this relatively young band is no newbie on musical territory. Daran Malakian (SYSTEM OF A DOWN) started SCARS ON BROADWAY in 2006. His band colleague John Dolmayan joined in at the end of the same year. In September 2007, the band with the meanwhile completed line-up entered the studio and recorded the self-titled debut which was released end of July. SCARS ON BROADWAY are Daron Malakian (vocals, guitar), John Dolmayan (drums), Franky Perez (guitar, backing vocals), Danny Shamoun (keyboards, percussion) and Dominic Cifarelli (bass). http://www.scarsonbroadway.com/ / http://www.myspace.com/scarsonbroadway
Music & Performance
Yesterday it was SERJ TANKIAN and today its two other members of SYSTEM OF A DOWN i.e. Daron Malakian and John Dolmayan with their project SCARS ON BROADWAY; and with those two you could expect music on a high level, starting with the high-octane ‘Serious’ also the first track on the same-titled debut, before it went on with ‘Exploding / Reloading’ another faster paced tune to set a counter point with the later following ‘Whoring Streets’ conjuring up an unlikely darker atmosphere with a calmer arrangement. Not that their music would be happy on the other songs, but for me the darkness became sensible ‘Killing you like you’re killing me’ with that song. ‘Insane’ on the other hand, swiftly found its way into the legs and was a straight rocker with refreshing bass passages and a profoundly melodic chant.
‘Universe’ continued a bit psychedelic, before the band returned to the more thoughtful tones with ‘3005’ I’m still not sure where I heard that intro if ‘Cute Machines’ before but maybe you do? Anyway, the track transformed into a hard hitting bastard of fast triggered drums in the end. With the closing song of the album ‘They Say’ also the set closed. Maybe they’ll get their chance again and play a longer set if they have some more material in the back. It would definitely be worthwhile. But for now, the only thing left to say is congratulations to a great show.
Setlist
01. Serious
02. Exploding/Reloading
03. ?
04. World Long Gone
05. Enemy
06. Whoring Streets
07. Insane
08. Kill Each Other/ Live Forever
09. Chemicals
10. Universe
11. 3005
12. Funny
13. Cute Machines
14. They Say
Rating
Music: 9
Performance: 8
Sound: 8
Light: 7
Total: 8
Beta Satan - Coca Cola Soundwave Tent
It’s a bit difficult to say something about BETA SATAN as there’s almost no information available about this band except the name of the band members Q, K.R. Hansen, Kned, Johannes & Morten. The band comes from Denmark and has signed a record deal with the Crunchy Frog label and their album ‘Girls’ is scheduled for a release end of August 2008. So much about the facts; for the rest check out the band’s performance. http://www.betasatan.dk/ / http://www.myspace.com/betasatan
Music & Performance
As already mentioned, there was not much information available of the band, prior to this gig, so one could be curious who would show up there; Frankly, I had expected some older guys, because everyone on stage seemed to be very young, but younger doesn’t necessarily mean worse. The band, according to their singer arrived with a car in extreme heat from their hometown, started right away with their first song and you couldn’t refrain from noticing the sharp contrast between the singer and his band. They rocked to the music, even the guy behind the tower of keys and synths, while he was standing on the left side, showing his profile to the audience with the hands in his pockets.
Appeared a little indifferent to me to be honest, but in hindsight I suppose it’s just a part of their stage show or style. AT least he swirled around a towel later on in the show. The songs I heard were clearly structurised and had remarkable good vocals on top of them. As I later learned, that sound developed into a chaotic mass. In any case an interesting experience not many people attended except for about 10 -15 people (Just a guess, didn’t count them).
Rating
Music: 8
Performance: 6
Sound: 6
Light: 6
Total: 6.4
Gogol Bordello - Main Stage
This band may be an absolute exception among the artists performing on the Area4. This multi-ethnic Gypsy punk band was formed in 1999 and is notable for its theatrical stage shows. The intention behind GOGOL BORDELLO is to “smuggle” Gypsy / European music into the English speaking world and slowly take control of the government (Just kidding). Back to the band, which has made its first ever live appearance in an after-hours club called Pizdetz and eventually became the residents. In 1999, they released their first album ‘Voi-La Intruder’ by Rubicon Records, followed by three more albums of which ‘Super Taranta’ is the latest one, being released in July 2007. http://www.gogolbordello.com/ / http://www.myspace.com/gogolbordello
Music & Performance
GOGOL BORDELLO, a name I couldn’t connect anything to so far. Various sites were tossing around with the term Gypsy Punk the bandleader Eugene Hütz has obviously created. I was prying and so I decided to satisfy myself of this crazy collective and their capacity of theatrical stage shows. Well, I wouldn’t call this theatrical but it was something different to put it that way. A troop, consisting of different nationalities populated the stage, leading the way with Eugene who, with his blue cloth pants purple open jacket and blowsy hairs, really looked like a Gypsy while hopping and dancing through his songs, mixing folklore elements with classic and rock instruments. But there were also some other guys like the Russian Sergey Ryabtsev, dressed like an old rocker, playing the violin or Oren Kaplan, the guitar player (guess he’s a Jamaican) and like watching a medieval band those many people had a fun on stage which was infecting.
Not so much for me, but the rest off the audience broke out in ecstatic dancing moves or did ring-a-ring-of-roses. Haven’t seen that for quite some time now, but they had fun and that’s important isn’t it. A special treat (for the guys) surely was the appearance of two scantily dressed female dancers in white. After the show ended a stream of people headed to the exits and I wondered how much people would be left for APOCALYPTICA, but my worries were for nothing as it later turned out.
Rating
Music: 5
Performance: 9
Sound: 8
Light: 5
Total: 6
Bloodlights - Coca Cola Soundwave Tent
The band was formed in 2006 by Captain Poon after his former band GLUECYFER broke up a year before. The name comes from the phenomenon of seeing red flashes right before passing out after consuming too much "of everything". Poon then took on the role as guitar player and vocalist. After completing the line-up with another guitarist, a bass player and a drummer, the new born group entered the studio to record the self-titled debut full-length, released in November 2007. As of spring 2008, the band toured Europe. BLOODLIGHTS are Captain Poon (vocals, guitars), Howie B (guitars), Ron Elly (bass) and Nico von Schäfer (drums). http://www.bloodlights.com/ / http://www.myspace.com/bloodlights
Music & Performance
As this Gypsy thing really isn’t my cup of tea, I preferred to return to the tent, where simple Rock’n’Roll was on the agenda. BLOODLIGHTS is the newest project of the former GLUECYFER guitarist and songwriter Captain Poon connected to strong riffs and fast beats under the red blanket. But first the King ELVIS PRESLEY sounded with ‘Suspicious Minds’ before the four guys in tight pants entered the stage. Pushing aside thoughts of possible limitations to the fertility of the Norwegians, I enjoyed fast rock by the BLOODLIGHTS the upcoming 50 minutes. On the vocals there was a little too much reverberation and they were too pulpy. But that was something I could live with, because apart from that the quarter from Oslo could really score with its self-titled debut.
It all started with the opener ‘Bullshit on your mind’ followed by ‘Where The Stars Don’t Shine’ and first class dirty Rock’n’Roll just like the high-octane tracks like i.e. ‘Hammer And The Wheel’ or the quite catchy ‘One Eye Open’ a song about paranoia and insomnia. The raging riffs of ‘Easy Target’ directly went into the legs and ears. In between the Norwegians even became a bit retro, before it was time for spot on Hard’n’Heavy with ‘Bloodlights’. If the stage technicians would have been in charge ‘Bald and Outrageous’ the also just as for band introduction and solos, would have been their last track, but the quarter wasn’t impressed by the fact that their time had already run out and the stagehands already demounted the backdrop in the background, while ‘Addiction’ was still played at the front. By the way, Captain Poon claimed to have the best drummer and the most beautiful guitarist of the festival in the line-up. But I guess that’s a thing everyone has to decide for themselves. [TV]
Setlist
01. Bullshit on your mind
02. Where The Stars Don’t Shine
03. Hammer and the wheel
04. One eye open
05. Easy target
06. Danger Zone
07. New Rose
08. Bloodlights
09. Bald and outrageous
10. Addiction
The Checks - Coca Cola Soundwave Tent
Formed in 2002 in New Zealand, the band is very well-known for their blues-driven and high-energy rock, similar to contemporaries such as THE HIVES. Before relocating to the UK in 2006 to start working on the debut album; THE CHECKS already won an award as “Most Promising band” at the 2004 Bnet Radio Network Awards and they were personally incited by REM vocalist Michael Stipe to support them on the New Zealand leg of their world tour in 2005. The debut album ‘Hunting Whales’ saw the light of day in October 2007 and stayed four weeks in the Top 40 of the New Zealand album charts.. THE CHECKS are Edward Knowles (vocals), Callum Martin (guitar), Sven Pettersen (guitar), Karrel Chabera Jr. (bass) and Jacob Moore (drums). http://www.thechecks.net/ / http://www.myspace.com/thechecks
Music & Performance
THE CHECKS from New Zealand really had some bad luck with their placement in the schedule, because as it wasn’t long until the Finnish APOCALPTICA would enter the main stage, only a handful of people attended the gig, but those who rather preferred to stand at the main stage missed something that’s for sure. Without any sign of edginess and in spite of the low number of spectators, the five-piece laid down an explosive show with a potpourri of Blues and Garage rock that, depending on the song, took on various shapes and so you not only found driving rock songs and groovy smashers in their repertoire but also very laid-back and relaxed tunes. Sadly, I had to leave the tent already after a, for me, too short while to catch my train to the main stage to see APOCALYPTICA. Organizers, next time this band definitely has to get more playing time and a batter placement.
Setlist
01. What you heard
02. Disco Hump
03. Hollywood
04. Isabella
05. Haunting Whales
06. Don’t wait
07. Let your Lover lose
08. Bagheara
09. Take me there
10. Crowd
11. Terribly easy
12. The Creed
Rating
Music: 8
Performance: 8
Sound: 8
Light: 7
Total: 8.8
Apocalyptica - Main Stage
The four classically-trained cellists have rose to a major force in today’s popular music. They attempted to fuse together the seemingly disparate worlds of classical music & hard rock and they were lucky. They created a style, blasting out every genre borders and which is commonly referred to as Cello Rock. The 1996 release of the debut ‘Apocalyptica plays Metallica by four cellos’ made a quick rise in the scene and the band became well-known over night so to speak. Some years - and also some line-up changes - later that band has toured half the world, received several major music award, worked together with artists such as German “punk godmother” Nina Hagen or Corey Taylor (Slipknot) on the prior single to their current album ‘Worlds Collide’, released in September 2007. The new single ‘I don’t Care’, featuring the guest vocals of THREE DAYS GRACE singer Adam Gontier is set to be released in August 2008. APOCALYPTICA are Eicca Toppinen (cello), Perttu Kivilaakso (cello), Paavo Lötjönen (cello) and Mikko Sirén (drums) supported by former main member Antero. http://www.apocalyptica.com/ / http://www.myspace.com/apocalyptica
Music & Performance
I’ve heard a lot from and read a lot about these cello virtuosos from Finland who already worked with so many different artists and now it was finally time for me to see something as well. As expected, the grounds around the main stage were packed with people, but even though the show hadn’t started yet there was already enough to see on stage. First there was this huge black backdrop with the logo of the most recent album ‘Worlds Collide’ in front of which a translucent drum kit was built up; and that wasn’t even the most impressing part. A bit more in the middle, four majestic thrones, not even stools stood, appeared like cut out of metal and they had a backrest in the form of the skull on the album cover. But now to the main actors who entered the stage to the sounds of ‘Refuse/Resist’. But while Antero never left his throne during the whole performance (and I couldn’t even spot a stir in his face), the other three did the exact opposite and only used their “seats” casually.
Well, of course, after so much action in stage you need some time to rest. No I’m just kidding. Rest was a borrowed word for Eicca, Perttu and Paavo who were head banging as if there would be no tomorrow and of they weren’t busy doing that than they were heavily focussed on maltreating their cellos from every possible position. Perttu even stepped onto the boxes one time. For the album ‘Worlds Collide’ they again collaborated with many guest vocalists amongst others with Til Lindermann from RAMMSTEIN who gave his voice for a cover of DAVID BOWIE’s sole German song ‘Helden’. Unfortunately he wasn’t there, the band apologized even without any vocals the song still is a beautiful piece of music. A specialty for the crowd came up with the performance of ‘I Don’t Care’ the new single. As there was a singers contest a while back and a guy called Matti from Austria won the battle and was supposed to deliver the vocals for this track now live on stage and he did well.
Without any dread he moved over the stage and it was clear to everyone why he won the contest. Powerful, emotive vocals sounded from the speakers and I could see in many faces around me that they were seemingly impressed as well. Furthermore the guys had some more hits up their sleeves like ‘Grace’, ‘Last Hope’ or ‘Betrayal’ as well as the METALLICA song ‘Enter Sandman’ when people around me sang along. Before I’m coming to the furious finale, some credits to the drummer Mikko who did an absolute fantastic job back there and added a lot of dynamic. The last song was ‘Hail of the Mountain King’ and the Finns on stage went completely nuts, played their cellos while sliding over and lying on the floor and provided for a finale no one will forget for quite some time and for many people this was the absolute apex of the festival.
Rating
Music: 9
Performance: 9
Sound: 9
Light: 9
Total: 9
Goldfinger - Coca Cola Soundwave Tent
The Californian band came together in 1994 and before they were even signed to any label, released the EP ‘Richter’ comprising mostly demo material which would later appear on the self-titled debut, unleashed in February 1996 and storming the hit lists of many American college and indie radios. The second album ‘Hang-ups’ couldn’t catch up with the popularity of the debut but still a devoted fan base kept the faith in the band, but with their third album ‘Stomping Ground’ from 200, their heroes returned to old form. Unfortunately the album sold very poorly in the US but due to a cover version of ‘99 Luftballons’ on it, the album became quite popular in some European countries. A few years and just as much albums later, the ban’s fellowship had grown significantly and they are more popular than ever, mostly because of the clear political lyrics by singer John Feldman. GOLDFINGER are John Feldman (vocals, guitar), Kelly Lemieux (vocals, bass), Charlie Paulsen (guitar) and Darrin Pfeiffer (vocals, drums). http://www.goldfingermusic.com/ / http://www.myspace.com/goldfinger
Music & Performance
As headliner in the tent, the illustrious US band GOLDFINGER was on the schedule, being active in the scene for quite some time and especially in Germany they’re most notable for their cover version of the NENA song ‘99 Luftballons’. Judging from the Area4 forums, many were looking forward the show of this band and so the tent was basically full for the first time this weekend (apart from DISCO ENSEMBLE) reaching dimensions where no more visitors were allowed to get in anymore at a certain point in time. Guess the “very eager” security (euphemism) to finally got something more to do than protecting the photographers from five “dangerous visitors”.
In proper style, the guys entered the stage and looked, except for one colleague, British gentlemen-like. But with the first sounds hell broke loose and I mean that - on and off stage where people moshed as if there’s no tomorrow. The blond, already a little bit older, guy on the mic is called John Feldmann, is vegan, a political activist and he definitely knows how to bring a concert hall (or tent) to a boil. Respect! By the way, the track ‘Ted Nugent’ placed at the end of the set came up with a nice chorus:
“He's a dick!
Fuck him!
Asshole!
Fuck him!”
I can only agree with that even though I had to rush to the main stage again to not miss the closing show there. In any case GOLDFINGER fairly rocked. [TV]
Soulfly - Main Stage
SOULFLY exists since 1997. It was founded by Max Cavalera after he left his former band SEPULTURA due to internal band issues. Max Cavalera said that he founded the band "with the idea of combining sounds and spiritual beliefs". The first self-titled album ‘Soulfly’ was released in the spring of 1998 and reached number 79 on the Billboard 200. The sophomore release ‘Primitive’ followed in 200 and displayed many Nu-Metal elements, which was a very popular genre at that time. It became the most successful album in the band’s history so far and peaked at 32 of the Billboard 200. ‘3’ the next SOULFLY album was the first one to be produced by Max Cavalera himself and sound-wise contained many reminisces to earlier Trash works. To this date; and after some minor line-up changes, SOULFLY has released six studio albums all of which reached the Billboard 200 in the United States. The latest album is called ‘Conquer’ and was released on 26th July 2008. SOULFLY is Max Cavalera (vocals, guitar), Marc Rizzo (guitar), Bobby Burns (bass) and Joe Nunez (drums). http://www.soulflyweb.com/ / http://www.myspace.com/soulfly
Music & Performance
Now we already reached the very last show of the Area4 festival and it should be the honour of SOULFLY to bring this festival to a worthy end. Initially SLIPKNOT should be standing on this stage but due to the broken angle of drummer Joey SLIPKNOT had to cancel all further show and the organizers had to find a replacement on short notice. I really was looking forward seeing those crazy Americans on stage but you can’t do anything about it and so it was SOULFLY’s turn. Max Cavalera and his group already had an appearance on last year’s Area4 in the afternoon. But the performance in the evening had one big advantage.
We could enjoy a great light show. To fast drums and enormous guitar walls Max Cavalera, dressed up in a camouflage jacket and with a guitar in the Mexican colours, he screamed out his vocals into the night. Now and then, a water bottle flew into the audience. Very welcomed by many after such a long day, I suppose. I must say that this kind of music I heard there didn’t exactly match up with my taste and as we were very extremely wasted after those 3 days as well, we already left the venue quite early to start our respective journeys back home.
Rating
Music: 5
Performance: 7
Sound: 8
Light: 9
Total: 7
With the Area4 festival, the festival summer was nearly over. At the end you might be interested in a few more facts about this year’s Area4 festival. The whole festival crew consisted of 1,000 people. The tent had a size of 46 x 38 metres while the main stage was 29 x 14 metres big with a speaker power of 2 x 40,000 watt and a lighting power of all in all 500,000 watt. About 10km of cables were needed for the whole festival. At the end, the most important date for 2009: the Area4 takes place from 21st to 23rd August. Pre-sale has started on 4th September 2008.
Written by: Daniela Vorndran [DV] and Sebastian Huhn [SH] with friendly support of Terrorverlag [TV] (http://musik.terrorverlag.de/)
All pictures by Daniela Vorndran (http://www.vorndranphotography.com/ / http://www.black-cat-net.de/ / www.myspace.com/vorndranphotography
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