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Kulturpark, Deutzen, Germany
5th to 7th September 2008
Nocturnal Culture Night III Day 2: Headless, The Pussybats, Sins Of The Flesh, Lahannya, State Of The Union, Minerve, Terminal Choice, Soman, S.P.O.C.K, Psyche, Fixmer / McCarthy

Personally, the second festival day was my favourite one with S.P.O.C.K and FIXMER / McCARTHY being on the schedule. As I learned later, that day would turn out totally unexpected. And of course, the weather would show later in “best” festival traditions… means it was heavily pouring down. But when the first bands started, it was still dry and very warm.





Headless - Main Stage


HEADLESS from Germany aim to produce their very own vision of electronic music. Everything started with the debut EP ‘Friendship’ in autumn 2000 which received quite positive feedback from press and DJs alike, so they continued and in 2002, they self-released the album ‘[transponder]’. After successfully participating in the ‘Battle of the Bands’ contest of the Sonic Seducer magazine, they divided o work on new material, together with Kolja Trelle (SOMAN) and the result was the ‘Ship of Agony’ EP which can be seen as the breakthrough with rave reviews all over the place and heavy rotation in the clubs. On the second alum ‘Rouge et Noir’ the band showed a considerable improvement in production and song writing. Again the album was produced with the help of Kolja Trelle, following the release was a club tour with a stop at Poland’s Gothic.pl festival Last info is that the band’s working on new material. HEADLESS is René Hentzschel (vocals), Markus Otto (samples, management) and Matthias Marko (keys, arrangements, backing vocals). http://www.head-less.de/ / http://www.myspace.com/headless1



Music & Performance
What a fresh start into the day! The band was even in a “too good” mood for that early hour when I was still a bit sleepy. But not anymore after this show presenting so much energy and fun, especially spread by singer René. He was pushing up the audience with lots of funny statements, i.e. announcing the second song ‘What noise’ with the words that probably no one knows this song or following ‘It’s enough’ as the “old jump song”. Performance-wise, René reminded a lot of Steve Naghavi (AND ONE) - not only according his look (René is only much taller) but also according his dancing style. When you know Steve you know how much fun it is watching him... and it was the same with René. This show was a very refreshing start of the day.

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






The Pussybats - Small Stage

The rather short history of the band, with the motto “Sex, Blood & Goth’n’Roll”, so far includes the winning of the ‘Battle of the Bands’ contest on 2006, songs on various compilations like on ‘Aderlass Vol.5; or on collections by the Orkus or Sonic Seducer magazines just to name a few; as well as a considerable mount of concerts in Germany, Austria or the Netherlands. In June, the band entered the studio to start the works for their debut album, produced by Chai Deveraux (JESUS ON EXTASY). THE PUSSYBATS are Sid van Sin (vocals), My Rock (guitar), Marple 8 (bass / gore) and Mike Night (drums). http://www.thepussybats.com/ / http://www.myspace.com/thepussybats



Music & Performance
69 EYES meets Ville Valo? Goth Rock as Goth Rock can? Anything is true. THE PUSSYBATS deal with any cliché you might have about good old Goth Rock, might it be the clothes, music, evil faces or posing. Opening the small stage on Saturday, the crowd in front of the stage was quite manageable, but the band on stage rocked them anyway. With ‘Dance with the Devils’ or ‘Your Horrorshow’ they delivered a impressive rock performance, even though there was long not enough space in the small stage to really show what they are able to do. Even though they are youngsters in the music business it seems like they are standing on stage for many years now. Well done! The only little disappointment on the small stage was the bad sound which also following bands had to deal with.



Setlist
01. Intro
02. Dance with the Devils
03. Banshee Blues
04. Your Horrorshow
05. Lost into Romance
06. Fame
07. Scary Fairy
08. No Romeo
09. Miss Purgatory
10. Dead by Dawn

Rating
Music: 7
Performance: 9
Sound: 5
Light: - (daylight)
Total: 7.4




Sins Of The Flesh - Main Stage

Established during the late '80s in the UK by singer / songwriter Jamie Nova, the band managed to establish themselves as a serious force in the underground scene, offering an altogether more accessible and poppy sound, combining hard rock riffs and electronics with strong melodic vocals and theatrical visual presence. Their debut ‘First Communion’ from 1990 is considered as groundbreaking and the band was labelled as the new hope of the British Goth scene in the early 90s, but suddenly they disappeared from the scenery. In 2007, they re-appeared with a tour through Germany, the Netherlands and their former home the UK. Now they’ll release their all new, self-titled album in 2008. SINS OF THE FLESH is Jude (vocals, guitar, bass, programming), John (guitar), Ai (bass), Chimaki (drums) and Tim (keyboards). http://www.sinsotheflesh.org/ / http://www.myspace.com/mysinsoftheflesh



Music & Performance
Having a look at the band’s history you expect quite a lot more than you got delivered during the appearance at Nocturnal Culture Night festival. I do not know what was wrong. Well, there were some technical problems - i.e. drummer Chimaki had only the bass drum available while a technician was working on the rest of the drum kit, but that could not have been anything to make the show as it was. Somehow, the different sounds - some electronics, guitar and drums - did not fit together, there were strange noises standing outside the songs and were just annoying. Performance-wise the band tried to make the best out of it but if simply could not distract from the bad audible impression. I just hope they only had a bad day and that they could convince me some day that they can make it better.

Rating
Music: 4
Performance: 6
Sound: 5
Light: - (daylight)
Total: 5






Lahannya - Small Stage

With her very first track ‘Drowning’ on the Amducias Sampler of the US American label she proved that she’s able to even reach listeners beyond her own genre and inspired by the overall positive resonance she went on to produce and release the ‘Drowning’ EP on her newly founded label and receives positive feedback as well. She then moved to London and became the resident DJ of the club ‘Limelight’. In 2004, LAHANNYA began her long-term collaboration with SOMAN, resulting in club hits like ‘Tears’, ‘Eye to Eye’ or ‘Mask’. The trigger for producing own material again came with a chance meeting with Lutz Demmler, who eventually became her new producer and their work resulted in the critically-acclaimed ‘Shotgun Reality’, released in 2007. In 2008 she already came back with the ‘Welcome to the Underground’ EP. LAHANNYA on stage is Lahannya (vocals, song writing, lyrics and occasionally guitar), Lutz (UMBRA ET IMAGO - bass, song writing, production), Chris (NFD - guitar) and Belle (drums). http://www.lahannya.com/ / http://www.myspace.com/lahannya



Music & Performance
Even though LAHANNYA just a short time working as a solo artist she has a lot of experiences in the music scene due to her work with other artists. And definitely this was shining through when she presented several songs from her debut ‘Shotgun reality’ as well as the latest EP ‘Welcome to the underground’. Because presenting her stuff as solo artist on stage is visually not very attracting she got very prominent support on stage with Lutz of UMBRA ET IMAGO and Chris of NFD as well as drummer Belle. LAHANNYA dealt in a very sympathetic way with the audience and also with her band members. With such a nice attitude it did not matter that they had a “false start” with the third song. The sound again was not the best, especially at the beginning her voice was much too low, but at least this point became a bit better during the set.



Setlist
01. Welcome to the Underground
02. Bleed for me
03. Payback
04. Inside the Machine
05. Charades
06. Beautiful Girl
07. Silent Victim
08. No tomorrow
09. Wandering

Rating
Music: 7
Performance: 8
Sound: 5
Light: - (daylight)
Total: 7




State Of The Union - Main Stage

Conceived by Johann Sebastian, STATE OF THE UNION started as a pure studio project. The music is a blend of industrialism and more accessible forms of electronic body music. The first release ‘Black City Lights’ (2002) fairly mixed up the scene while simultaneously addicting admirers of synth pop and industrial music alike. Preceded by the successful single release ‘Timerunner’, the second album ‘Impedum’ came out in March 2004. Politics and philosophy were themes which were dressed up in catchy future pop tracks and the album, just as its predecessor, received lots of positive feedback. 2005 saw the re-release of the debut as ‘Black City Lights V.2’ through the band’s new home Infacted Recordings. ‘Evol Love Industry’ so the title of the third album was presented to the public after almost two years of silence. STATE OF THE UNION is Johann Sebastian (vocals, lyrics, production) and Jimmy Nimra (drums). http://www.state-of-the-union.info/ / http://www.myspace.com/evolloveindustry



Music & Performance
Before I come to the show itself I might add a little story before… When I walked up the stairs with a friend, armed with our cameras, we all of a sudden were accosted by a young guy who turned out being Johann Sebastian, the singer of the band. He just gave us the latest CD so we could check it out and had a chat with us. Later I learned he did the same with other attendees of the festival. Very friendly and so, he won our hearts just before he even sang a single tune. But to the show now… Also with their catchy electro tunes, Johann and Jimmy conquered the hearts of the audience. Both were dressed up very stylish in black pants, white shirt and black ties.



Drummer Jimmy was fun to watch when maltreating the drum set standing beside it or sitting behind and throwing the sticks into the air more than once. Singer Johann threw attention not only because of his styling and voice but also because of the futuristic chrome microphone stand. The only thing I missed was another live musician playing keys, all the music besides the drums just came from tape. Also a bit sad was that due to the daylight you had no chance to view the videos shown on a screen in the back. Anyway it was a very good show and it was obvious that this band got a warm welcome in Germany.

Rating
Music: 7
Performance: 8
Sound: 7
Light: - (daylight)
Total: 7.3




Minerve - Small Stage

In the year 2002, Mathias Thürk and Daniel Wollatz founded MINERVE and already with their first album ‘Breathing Avenue’, released in 2004 after two yeas of hard work, they’ve made their breakthrough and the album received lots of positive resonance, causing the band to bring MINERVE on stage for several concerts and festivals. With the new single ‘My Universe’ the band returned and had their first time appearance at the German Alternative Chart where it peaked at 16. Soon after, the second album ‘Sensefiction’ come out showing, the band’s progression and more matured sound, bestowing them a lot of new fans. In 2007, the remix album ‘Love Traces’ was released on a Russian label and in December 2007, it was time for the next single ‘Take me Higher’, the first harbinger from the new album due for a release in fall 2008.MINERVE is Daniel Wollatz (lyrics, vocals), Matthias Thürk (composing, programming, live keys) and Andreas Wollatz (live keys, backing vocals). http://www.minerve.de / http://www.myspace.com/minerveband



Music & Performance
Saturday afternoon presented fluffy synth pop by MINERVE. The sound was nothing new or innovative, but still very catchy and especially Daniel impressed with his warm voice. The presented songs were a potpourri of older and very new songs. The danceable tunes reached definitely the people in front of stage and animated to dance or at least whip the feet. The show itself was not very spectacular with one singer in front and the two keyboard players on the sides. But anyway you could see that the tree-some had fun being on stage. With big gestures and joy in playing they animated the audience to be part of the show and at least partly they succeeded.

Rating
Music: 6
Performance: 7
Sound: 5
Light: - (daylight)
Total: 6






Terminal Choice - Main Stage

This band, started as a one man project in 1993 is another musical outlet of Chris Pohl (BLUTENGEL, MISS CONSTRUCTION). In 1995, he released the single ‘Totes Fleisch’ which became an instant hit, followed by the successful debut ‘A Shadow of Death’ in 1996. The same year the project had its first live performances marked by a quite bloody and pyrotechnical show. On the 1998 release ‘Navigator’ he incorporated guitars into the sound for the first time. The ‘Venus EP’ which came out in 1999 was the project’s debut on German label Out of Line, showing the band’s development to a Goth rock /Electronic symbiosis.



However, the following album ‘Black Past’ was purely electronic again; intended as a thank you to the fans. The following releases pursued the rocking oriented course further. The most recent album is called ‘New Born Enemies’ and was released in July 2006. TERMINAL CHOICE is Chris Pohl (programming, vocals, lyrics), Louis Manke (programming, guitars), Gordon Bass (guitars), Jens Gärtner (loops, sound design), Sebastian Pellmann & Thomas Prager (live crew) and Friedemann Mättger (live drums). http://www.blutengel.de/tccontent/homettc.htm / http://www.myspace.com/terminalchoicemusic



Music & Performance
Due to the fact that this day turned out totally different than expected - and it all began for me during the TC show - I could not see much of it. All of a sudden I was asked to film the whole S.P.O.C.K show on stage and to get my instructions during the TC show after which the Swedish “Space” band was to follow. Anyway I at least had the chance to get a short glimpse into the TERMINAL CHOICE show and to take a few pics. As you might know, Chris Pohl divides the scene. You just love the things he does with his several projects or you hate it. Anyway a lot of people gathered in front of the stage to celebrate a big party and later when I got my instructions in the backstage area, I could at least hear how loud people were shouting. So it must have been at least a good show for them. I do not dare to judge about the whole show I have not even seen two songs of.




Soman - Small Stage

Initially his songs were only intended as an extension to his DJ Set, but soon, the songs of Kolja Trelle aka SOMAN made it onto various compilations and later into DJ sets all over the world. After the release of his debut ‘Sound Pressure’ he switched to Infacted Recordings and released the EP ‘Unleashed’ in 2005, supporting VNV NATION on their ‘Matter & Form’ tour and being the second live keyboarder as well. About two years later, the second album ‘Mask’ followed with a seemingly matured sound; and in 2008 it was already time for the next coup with ‘Re:Up’ EP, containing new tracks and remixes. http://www.myspace.com/soman



Music & Performance
For this show I can say the same as for the previous one… I did not see much of it because of the preparations of the S.P.O.C.K show. But also here, I got a short glimpse into the things happening during the first two songs when I at least took some pics. In best mood with a big smile in his face, Kolja pushed up the audience to his very danceable techno / electro tunes. Later on I heard that LAHANNYA as usually delivered vocals to some of the songs. Anyway, still I am sure that an act like SOMAN works much better as a DJ act during a club night than for a whole concert on stage… you just have basically a man behind his turntables and laptop turning some knobs or starting a new track. Also it still was not dark enough for good lighting which would also have made the show better.




S.P.O.C.K - Main Stage

In 1988, Eddie Bengtsson wrote a handful of songs to be performed at Finn Albertsson's birthday party, with Alexander Hofman performing vocals; the three men dubbed the band Mr. Spock (after the name for the character Spock of the Star Trek franchise). After the performance at the party, the band continued for several months to play at other house parties, but soon managed to secure some event bookings. The band had to drop their former name, when Paramount Pictures demanded a heavy compensation for using that name, so they renamed themselves to S.P.O.C.K which is an acronym for Star Pilot on Channel K.



The commercial breakthrough came in 1990 with the release of the 7” single ‘Silicon Dream’. This was only the start of a victory march into the hearts of synth pop lovers all over the world. They’ve released six albums with ‘2001: A S.P.O.C.K Odyssey’ in 2001. The current line-up is: Alexander Hofman (Android - vocals, song writing), Christer Hermodsson (Crull-E - keys) and Johan Malmgren (Yo-Haan - keys). http://www.subspace.se/spock / http://www.myspace.com/spockorbit



Music & Performance
Ok, now really to a show I have experienced in total and as close as no one else being on stage in-between the artists to capture all actions with my little video camera. But I should start at the beginning. Already during the preparations backstage it became sure that the show would become something specials with several surprises. Furthermore the show would be filmed with all in all five cameras for a possible DVD release… or “at least a youTube video if we all fuck up recording”. ;)



Our three star pilots entered a stage covered in blue and red lights and lots of smoke and took position in front of a big SPOCK sign to welcome the audience and start right away with ‘Reactivated’. Right in time for the show we also got our heavy festival rain pouring down and so, you could see people celebrating in the falling rain which somehow provided for a spectacular atmosphere. The show went on with ‘Take me to the Stars’ followed by ‘E.T. Phone Home’ when an alien with green head and silver fingers entered the stage phoning home. As it turned out this was not the only special thing during the show. After ‘Dr. McCoy’ we got the first “break” when Android was up to tell some funny stories… just as we know and expect it from a S.P.O.C.K show. Some more well-known songs like ‘Queen of Space’ or ‘Alien Attack’ followed until the ‘Astrogirl’ (in the best sense of word) delivered some beer... not in a sleazy bar but on stage at NCN festival. Then, another break with stories being told followed.



You know that ‘all E.T.s aren’t nice’? If not you learned during the same-titled song when a Borg attacked our star pilots on stage. But well, the good ones have weapons too, haven’t they? At least they extensively used a water pump gun - as Android told us filled of course with Absolute Vodka - and fired the content into the audience. Well, they all were totally wet by now anyway. ;) The main set continued with ‘Not human’, ‘Astrogirl’s Secret’ and ‘Speed of light’ before the band already started the last song ‘Out there’ and left under thundering applause and just immediately came back to tell that they never understood all this encore shit. And so, they would play some more songs: ‘E-lectric’, ‘Star Pilot on Channel K’ and of course as very last song the biggest hit ‘Never trust a Klingon’ when a real Klingon with his weapons entered the stage. And so, a fantastic show ended. What else to say than “live long and prosper” until we meet again on our ride to the stars.



Setlist
01. Reactivated
02. Take me to the Stars
03. E.T. Phone Home
04. Dr. McCoy
- break -
05. I am an Android
06. Trouble with Tribbles’
07. Queen of Space
08. Alien Attack
09. Spacewalk
10. Astrogirl
- break -
11. All E.T:s aren’t nice
12. Not human
13. Astrogirl’s Secret
14. Speed of Light
15. Out There
---
16. E-lectric
17. Star Pilot on Channel K
18. Never trust a Klingon

Rating
Music: 9
Performance: 10
Sound: 9
Light: 9
Total: 9.3








Psyche - Small Stage

PSYCHE is one of those bands that hold a cult status even beyond the borders of independent music. Like all big names they also started very small with the brothers Darrin & Stephen Huss founding the band in 1982. However, first material wasn’t released until 1985 with the now legendary self-produced debut ‘Insomnia Theatre’ only marking the start of a remarkable career that lasts for a quarter century now; a career that brought forth such evergreens as ‘Unveiling The Secret’ from the same-titled second album with which they achieved their European breakthrough and the unforgettable ‘Misery’ from the 1989 output ‘The Influence’ as well as countless other hits raising their popularity to remarkable heights. Darrin who is the only constant member since the foundation always was eager to experiment and so the sound was subjected to an unhesitant change, so the fans never could be sure what would follow next yet they knew that the essence of PSYCHE would never change and it hasn’t until today. http://www.psyche-hq.de/ / http://www.myspace.com/psyche



Music & Performance
Oh, what bad luck today for Darrin and his supporting live musicians Stefan Rabura (keyboards) and Niels Hesse (guitar and keys)! It still was pouring down and all that water was too much for the small stage. The band was just playing for a few seconds (just enough for me to take 6 pics of two of the three people) and then it became silent and dark. The power was gone. It took some minutes until the power was back just to be gone again after a few tunes. Than at least they managed to get the sound back but the stage remained mainly dark. Standing in heavy rain, people “enjoyed” such famous songs as ‘Sanctuary’ or ‘Goodbye horses’. After latter one it became silent again… well, not totally. The band performed a few more songs as acoustic versions accompanied by guitar and the sound of the rain. Very moody moment!




Fixmer / McCarthy - Main Stage

When two creative minds unite, only good can come of it; in this case the result actually was kind of explosive. Thereby the whole thing started out more than inconspicuous, when Terence Fixmer a world famous Techno artist and in the business for ten years was asked  by Mute Records to remix NITZER EBB in 2002 and so he came into contact with Douglas McCarthy, the legendary shouter of NITZER EBB. During the same year they decided to join forces and work started on a first release eventually becoming the first album ‘Between The Devil’ released in 2004 and what can you say, that thing crashed in like a bomb. Of course connections were drawn to NITZER EBB but the project had developed its own distinct sound, disabusing all the sceptics and receiving rave reviews for the debut. In 2008 the duo returned and proved that it wasn’t willing to rest on its laurels. ‘Into the Night’ is the name of the second instalment and delivers a matured sound, more melody and with the ballad ‘Tonight I Sleep’ the probably biggest surprise of all. http://www.fixmermccarthy.com/ / http://www.myspace.com/fixmermccarthy



Music & Performance
Also FIXMER / McCARTHY suffered from the terrible weather. Lots of people had already left the venue and so, the band - Douglas with freshly shaven head so he looked really different - had to play for a half empty venue. Also we were totally wet by now and had to improvise for taking pics. It was too much rain for the cameras and so, one was holding an umbrella while the other one was taking some pics. You just have to have some ideas to make things work. ;) Too wet for staying for the whole rest of the show we at least enjoyed some more songs from the first album ‘Between the devil’ bit especially from the latest release ‘Into the Night’ which I especially like. Douglas is now not only copying his NITZER EBB style but starting to sing really. The songs are mostly much calmer and moodier. Ballads like ‘Tonight I sleep’ are just great! Anyway, Mr. McCarthy was not denying his past and with ‘Control I’m here’ we even got a NITZER EBB song. Bad circumstances for the band but both artists dealt with the situation very professionally. Kudos for that!

Rating
Music: 8
Performance: 8
Sound: 8
Light: 8
Total: 8





We left the venue about in the middle of the set and tried to rescue ourselves in the dry car. Not very easy. To finish the evening we decided to stop at the gas stating, buy a bottle of beer and have a nice chat with the drink and some cookies at our hotel room. As I said... you just have to make the best out of the situation. ;)

Written by Daniela Vorndran; all band intros by Sebastian Huhn

All pictures by Daniela Vorndran (http://www.vorndranphotography.com/ / http://www.black-cat-net.de/ / www.myspace.com/vorndranphotography) except S.P.O.C.K by Mattias Nordgren (http://nordgren.org/)
{jos_sb_discuss:18}

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