Pentral - I didn’t want Pentral to be a second AC/DC, so we put so many elements of influence in our music; a sound different than any American or European band is just our tool …

Brazilian progressive rock/metal trio Pentral released the debut single "Silent Trees." It was a preview of the now just released debut album, ‘What Lies Ahead of Us’. We wrote of it: ''The South American influences return in the single, but it is mostly the energetic approach that first bursts open subdued. Their musical primal power is something natural , the wonderful, beautiful landscape gets whirlwinds and eruptions to endure. So a diverse sound that brings together gentleness and extroversion."  
he full review can be read again here
We had a nice chat with vocalist and guitar player Victor Lima about that release but also politics, the concern about the Amazon and future plans of Pentral …

Who is Pentral,  how did everything start? Tell more about yourself?
When I was around 9 or 10 years old I was listening to some Led Zeppelin album. At those times Led Zeppelin were disbanded. I had some vinyl’s, in that time we used vinyl’s. I love to sing, so I started singing and started to write songs, like poetry. And I read many books too. After a while, I got interested in playing guitar and I can remember the very first ‘band’ I had I was around 14 years old.  something I've always been concerned about. I had to find my own voice. When I do that I stop listening to other artists, but you always get some influence. I know too many guys who just want to do a version of a song like it was their own. That’s not how I work .My younger brother Vagner was always a drummer, he likes to make noise (haha). But he is also a very accomplished musician. We started working together, and I was writing a lot of songs and just picked up 10 songs for this album. These songs are the very first songs I have ever written for Pentral It was about two years we were working on songs and things. And that’s where we are now.

What I find a little bit strange , if I may say so, it’s that you release your debut in the middle of this pandemic? Why not wait a little bit?
That was of course a big problem. I remember at the beginning of this pandemic I was watching some documentary on BBC and those guys just told not to worry about, It’s just a Chinese thing  it’ will be over very soon. Nobody in Brazil or even the world, had any clue how terrible it would become.  So even with all the difficulties we were living in, we decide to record the album and make some live performances too. And then there was the virus  here, and all the live venues got shut down. The only option we had was just the recording, so we did it, part because there were no other options  left. It’s a shame but Brazil has become the second-worst affected country in the world by Coronavirus, where so many people died of this virus, because of Mr. Bolsonaro  the great responsible for so many deaths, but anyway, the only thing we could do was recording the album and that’s what we did.

Also in terms of corona, your country has indeed been very hard hit, despite a president who seemed to ignore everything. Do you agree it’s part of politic fault that this happened?
You know - Brazil is in fact a young nation, just like the United States. Truth is that through the years we always had a conservative way of   government, and back in the 2000’s people decided they no longer wanted that. We had the election of left winger Lula Da Silva. From day one the right wings of conservatives never accepted that. They started a big campaign against Lula. Saying he was corrupt and things. I not say he was a Saint, I don’t believe in Saints. I believe in God.   On the work floor much things changed, but the richest people never accepted that. Then in the middle of Dilma's second term (Lula's  successor)  election he got impeached, removed from her office. So everything Lula and Dilma have done, was undone. All social, culture protection we had earned, even a little bit earlier was undone. What we have now is what happened in the US. People who deny everything, saying there is no pandemic, that we don't need vaccines.

We now talking about politics, but directly there is also the Amazon where this president don’t care about. You are very concern about that I have read
I just living in the middle of this nightmare. I live in the part of Brazil where the most part of the forest been burned down. Why they do that?  Keeping the forest intact is not so profitable, that’s the biggest problem. But they just don’t believe that this can change the world climate. And  this is because the forest is being burned down. They don’t think about the future, they just think about making money. It’s  just a way to make money, and that’s a shame. The problem in Brazil is that you do need to have that much money to have a decent living as the  State doesn't give you security, health, or good education. For everything you do, you have to pay for it. It’s an endless struggle, but for many politicians, religious ministers, entrepreneurs, big farmers, there's no limit! They're moved by endless greed!

Pity. But enough about politics . Let’s start talk about music. In terms of music style, not only do your guys go in many directions, very fascinating, but also connecting different cultures is so interesting, between Western and South-American culture. Your opinion,  is this correct?
We were always concerned to not sound like a regular American or European band, that’s what we did not want to be. I do love a lot of American and European bands, but It was just so important for me to put the Brazilian influence on my music. The two points that come to my mind  then are Harmony and rhythm. And even I’m not a drummer I write songs that refer to the rhythm. You have to know we have some great musician here in Brazil, like Tom Jobim, Milton Nascimento, Djavan, Lô Borges, Toquinho, Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso, Ney Matogrosso to name a few, so  even if you're a rock band you don’t have to follow the same formulas the same way over and over again. We wanted to do something slide different. It’s a way to find your own public, even its small or big, but they are the reason why we here.

How is the Brazilian rock Scene? I know Sepultura and some others, but they never been recognized here. Any idea why not?
We had some classic rock band back in the 1960's and 1970's, like "Mutantes" and "Secos e Molhados", and though we sure had great rock bands in Brazil, the problem was the emptiness of pop music in Brazil, back in the day and now more than never...The artists that were supported were the ones who were making music not showing the reality, as we had since 1964 a severe military dictatorship and its censorship in Brazil, so every piece of music or movie or book had to be checked and approved before it could be released, so political or protest music could not be brought out. And sure not been shown to the world. More recently we recovered our democracy - that now is threatened again by Mr Bolsonaro. So in the 1980's Sepultura came out and they were a big breakthrough for rock music in Brazil and over the world. 

I brought up Sepultura yet. Did they have an influence on your music? In some songs I hear some of Sepultura to…
Brazilian music is essentially the result of European and African influences. We were colonized by Portuguese settlers, but there were the real owners of Brazil way before - the Indians, and we had a huge African forced migration, so the musical influences from  African people are quite strong in Brazil. We were one of the countries in the world with most African slaves, which is really disgusting..., but those African people brought the rhythm we're talking about. This kind of influences is something that Sepultura has added to rock music. They just put this influence of African music and raised the bar. Bands
in Nu-metal like KoRn, that came After Sepultura recognized that Sepultura was a high
influence on their music. And also we love that, so we put this influence in our music as well. Look when you want to be a straight rock band, you just have to do it like AC/DC, nothing wrong with that, I love AC/DC. But I didn’t want Pentral to be a second AC/DC so we put so many elements of influence in our music. Sound different than any American or European band is just our tool.

I'll just quote: ''The debut album is the search of human consciousness for the environment, peace and equality." Can you elaborate a bit more on that?
In my opinion, if you don’t have anything to share or tell to people through your music or whatever, don’t say anything then. That’ s how I believe Art should be. For example, I don't have a problem watching a Marvel movie, or a Disney movie, but just once. I'd rather to watch movies that have a deeper meaning and social message, were there is a human story been told. Same goes for books or music. So bring a little bit more time to share our stories, would be so much more interesting.  It’s important to share a message for me - making music to tell a message about our country and the whole world that’s important to me. It's not that I impose opinions or want to tell people what they should or shouldn't do, I just like sharing meaningful stories about real human suffering, dramas , and needs. If one single person been has been touched about the message, and understands and thinks about  a way to help who need it, then my work is done.

Point taken, you sure tough me in that way with the music of Pentral. For example, The music video of “Silent Trees” speaks to tragedy and loss, both through the unfolding plot, but also in a larger sense of the wonton destruction of that which keeps humanity and all other living things existing. Can you tell more about that?
When I write music, I don't have control over the writing process, it's more of a "spiritual experience". That's where the inspiration comes from and from or social reality as well. Many times comes the song ready  to my mind, and when that happens there is a lot of image coming up too. In that song, I had this  image of the spirit of the forest and the living creatures crying out for help. And an image of people sharing  their fears and the problems around them. Music is a way to put that message to a bigger audience. There is no music without an image. I did the best I could to create a cinematic thing about the story we were singing  about. There's a human story behind them, and that's the reason why Pentral has been formed.  When you listen to a song, you can see the image. That is what we wanted to
do it. So, I shared my thoughts with a  young and talented director called Roger Elarrat and He accepted to make videos out of it. I believe we have done a wonderful job.

You say you like movies. Is there a ambition to make movies with your music? Or using your music for a movie?
Definitely! I'll put the music videos in some movie festivals. I’m opened for it. My
biggest goal is to find the biggest audience for my music. So if anyone outside is interested in
using the music of Pentral for a movie, he or she would be welcomed. I would love to do that, it’s a great way to reach a wider audience. Because we're sure to have a good story for a movie.

I hope some producer read this interview and contact you than.
Something else. How where the main reactions on this debut till now?
Positive. It’s an amazing question because it’s 2021 , a lot things have been done. It’s difficult
or even impossible to create something unique these days.. Because everything that could possibly been done in music, it has been done before. You just told me there are so many elements in our music, that’s something that comes back in many reviews. This reminds me of Led Zeppelin, Rush, Metallica or anything in-between. There are positive reviews, but also some questions about what we are going to do next, and maybe the second album's reaction is going to be slightly different as the first. Those things. It  happens all the time that a band or album just got recognized many years later. That's what happened to Bohemian Rhapsody of Queen. When it came out not everyone liked it, but now it’s a classic song. I believe we will have our time. So maybe those who have doubts about this  debut will recognize it  later. I only hope this recognition will be when we still alive. We just should play alive, because people have to see it.

Talking about ‘live’ … Are there already live concerts at the moment? And what are the tour plans? Coming to Europe to?
Absolutely! I was checking the news, and for this year there are some festivals who going forward. in countries like France, Spain, Portugal, UK. Because the pandemic is much more controlled now in these countries. I'm going to be vaccinated next week! maximum, even with our crazy president's omission about that.  After we're all vaccinated we'll definitely make some live  concerts, for sure. I'd love to play in Belgium, Germany, France, Spain, Italy etc. We are planning  to go on tour.

Next to live concerts, what are the future plans with the band?
I can tell we have already five songs recorded for our second album. I’m always busy thinking about working on new songs and, I can’t stand still. So I keep writing songs. I keep thinking about the next step, the next thing … over and over. Right now I’m writing more songs and we're planning to go back to the rehearsals asap. It will not take long, but I now want to promote first this debut album in many ways, like playing the songs live as well. But I can promise you, after that, we'll have a new album. Maybe next year. And a third album after that and so on.

Maybe a question separate from that, what audience do you think you can reach with your music?
I don't want Pentral to be recognized like just an ordinary metal band or some, I think there is an audience who are into Alternative rock who can appreciate our music. We will be moving through different worlds. And not stuck between the rock or metal formula. Try to find an audience that likes different sounds in rock. To put like standards on what I would pick three bands: Queen, Led Zeppelin, and The Beatles. 

Are there any other projects you are working on?
I know some guys who work in four of five bands or projects. I don't have any problem with that.  I wouldn’t do that. I prefer to stand in this one project and put all my energy into it. I can only be at my best if I concentrate 100% into one single project, and that’s Pentral.

What are the ambitions with the band, and are there any end goals?
You just can't set a goal or something - "well I just have this one goal to try to be happy", as 
we are talking about art, you never know how people are going to react to your songs. Like I said before, some songs or music just have been recognized many years after their release, so we never know what’s going to happen. I'd love to bring concerts in huge arena’s but we just don’t know what’s going to happen. Even when a label recognized us and wants to bring out our music, you have to be honest with yourself and the people out there in the first place You can’t do something that you don’t like to do. You just have to be honest with your art, and you will find a niche or a public that’s interested in what you're doing. That’s the most important ambition.

That's the most important indeed. But if you get the chance to make a commercial album and conquer the world with it but you have to change your way of making music? Would you definitely not do that?
I would rather to make a different project, and make that music there than doing this with
Pentral. Pushing yourself and your public in other direction than what you'd like to be doing or listening to is not honest to yourself or to your audience, neither a nice thing to do. You can’t play with people, you have to be honest with people. So I am not going to change direction to grab a bigger attention or something, that is not fair to myself and to my audience. We just do what is meaningful, that’s what we'll be standing for.

That’s a choice you make. One example is Metallica, I like Metallica. But true all this years they more and more make it a big show, great shows. But I miss the true feeling of the beginning. But they make big money and play in big arena’s. Soo it’s a choice you make, right?
I think one of the reason why a band goes that way is that they are afraid to be forgotten by the public. This happened with a lot of bands back in the day when some new "trends" came out.  Metallica still makes good music, but good music is that one that is not made for the sake of fame.  That’s a choice, but it’s not what Pentral are going to do. Pentral want to keep
being honest with its music. That’s the most important thing.

That’s a good statement to end this interview. I hope to see you guys soon on stage, in our Country. Thanks for this nice chat

Adam Douglas - My all personal blend of American Roots music from where I came from is a pretty good description of what my music is all about

‘Better Angels’ is the third album by Adam Douglas. Born and raised in Oklahoma, USA this singer-songwriter/guitarist has been living in Norway for over 10 years now. Besides touring to promote his albums ‘I May Never Learn’ and ‘Beauty & The Brawn’, he also did a lot of studio and live session work there with artists like Jon Bon Jovi, Larry Carlton, Sting, Bonnie Raitt, Vidar Busk, Robben Ford, Kirk Fletcher, Ten Years After, Chris Medina and Michael Landau. He draws his inspiration from the beautiful nature of his new homeland and the ‘rich’ melting pot of culture and music; through Howlin' Wolf, Sam Cooke and Ray Charles onward to Tom Petty, Billy Joel and Joe Jackson. A beautiful and varied disc that will stick to your ribs if you like that typical singer-songwriter with a wink to a broad pallet of musical styles that warms hearts without sounding too clammy. Following this release, we had a nice conversation with Adam Douglas.

You are originally from Oklahoma in the States but have lived in Norway for the last 13 years? How did you end up there ?
It’s kind of a typical story. Like a lot people in that times I was on tour and traveling and I met a girl, and she is my wife now. It’s a romantic story, a typical but a nice one. I was on tour as guest with a band. We had our very first concert on a Sunday night, kind of crazy it was the right thing to do.

And Norway as country, has this a influence on your career and things?
When I was growing up in the States I moved around a lot. I was always chasing something, I never felt comfortable myself. Till I came to Norway, here I found a sort of inner peace. It have a lot to do with the nature, absolute overwhelmed. The air is fresher, it smells so much better here. The people here welcome you with open arms here, that’s nice to. But most of all, they give you the private you need. I’m always been kind of anti-social , and here I find inner peace in many ways. I’m not like that typical busy American, so it felt good coming here. Also in my family, generations back, where from Scandinavia so in some strange way it feels like coming home, moving to Norway.

Nice story. What have been the highs and lows over the years so far? Some milestones?
I doing this long enough to have very much experience, that makes it difficult to find out the real lows or highs. Or to tell about the milestones. I have play in about every size of gig to put it this way. Hugh concerts for a lot people, and very small clubs. There where good ones, worse experience en really good to shitty gigs. The biggest milestone was something unexpected. There was a Norway TV program. Not my thing really, I said ‘no’ to this kind of things for a long time. It was something like a ‘battle of the stars’ thing. I finally said yes because I had nothing to lose. And I won that contest. It’s crazy because my music is not a competition. But it did open some doors. Since then I have something stable doing really my thing, it was a awakening for my carrier. That program was sure a real milestone for me and my carrier. It’s not something I would recommend for everyone, but for some weird reason it worked out for me. It’s was a conformation for stuff I was doing true all this years.

And Lows?
Well you can use you imagination. Playing in any shit hole there is, some bad gigs who were going complete wrong. I think that are some low moments, that every artist of band have in a carrier.  There were some miserable experience, yes..

I have read in an interview that your passion for music, i quote, ''was kind of an accident!'' Can you tell more about that?
In a way it’s not my passion for music that was kind of an accident. But the way I write my story with music. See, in my family there was really nobody doing something with music, so I had no example or something to start with play music myself in that way. But I start in a new school when I was very young, and don’t know anyone there. I had one friend there. I really was follow him around and on the lunch break I follow him to the music room. And there were just he, me and the music teacher and she was holding auditions  for a school camp. She ask to sing some frames and things. To play piano and things, it was the first time I really sing anything. For some reason I felt I enjoin doing that, like every child searching for a main thing. I found out that’s what I love doing. Soo in that way it came a little bit ‘by accident’. It took some time to start professional after that, but it was a start of everything that moment follow a friend to that place and the music teacher guide me the way.

Again a nice story, it also proves meeting the right people at the right place and  right moment works.. But ok. the main reason of this interview is  of course the release of your newest album 'Better Angels'  It sounded to me  there is a personal story behind the songs? i also read something about that in the same interview. Is that true?
That’s correct. The songs that become really personal for me are par example ‘So Naïve’. That is very much about my live in United States, and what we talk about a minute ago. I was raised in that environment but never felt comfortable there. That song was helping me to ankylosing my childhood and how I feel now. It’s also about done things the right way, or not the right way. And being a father now I start think how was I when I was a kid, and how I like it to be for my son. Me asking myself asking big questions about how I was raised, and asking if that was the right thing to do.

Some other song is really political. ‘It’s real relevant in this days. I feel in the states, especially now, It’s breaking my heart to see that people are really argument each other, there is a lot hate going on that’s what I wanted to tell in that song. It’s very sad and heartbreaking seeing that. It’s also about getting out of this mess and start communicate with each other again. And singing together again, as one. Stop arguments, and play music together is that song all about/ There are some political lines in that song to.

There is also one more ‘Built the fire’. Just about keeping the fire alive. Whatever happens in you live. Specially with my wife. It’s kind of an ode to her. It’s how I appreciate having something home we support me true bad and good. There is one other song I want bring on, ‘into my life’ it’s about mental health. I personal been going true a mental health Hell. Like so many people do. That song is really about that. If anyone would like to find help in this lyrics , please do. It’s about struggle the bad times and find a place for it. And also that’s ok to be down sometimes. it’s ok to accept it.

The creative process was quite different on this one compared to previous albums? Right? Can you tell more about it
It have something to do with this pandemic we living in. I normally write things completely on my own. For the first time I was collaborated with some other writers. Specially on the lyrics. I reach to people I really respect, and good friends to write this album that was a difference with other releases. The lyrics, hat’s usual the hardest part, I ‘m just not a master in writing lyrics. So this time I have contact people who are very good in this sort of thing. That’s the biggest difference that I have worked on the halve of the lyrics with other writers. What was really important to tell the right story.

Had the pandemic also a other ‘more relax’ influence on writing the album or compose music?
Absolutely, it was a new thing. This days you can send music files to everyone by internet and things, that was something I been using more now. I found out it’s a good way doing. I can work on a song, like a guitar part,  and send it to someone at the other side of the world. Thanks to ZOOM we can work on a project from the other side of the world on the exact same time, that’s wonderful.  The new technology was something I found out as something I can us in a complete different ways, especially in this pandemic. Like a example. The mixing engineer was in his studio, and I was in my studio. Exactly on the same time working on this album, that’s amazing about this internet thing. We could not be in a studio together, and make a record like The Rolling Stones did in the 60ste but we found a other way doing it, so yes that was a other way of working.

I’ve -mailed the review to the editorial staff, I had some remarks about this beautiful record. What strikes me most is that you can't put a label on the style of music you bring. I hear dashes of folk but also subtle country, r&b and blues, … There is just a lot going on. How would you describe your own style of music?
That’s a good point. My music is a combination what American Roots music is all about. That also have to do with Oklahoma that’s right in the middle of US. Soo you have a mix of country music, there was a big jazz influence in the 50ths. Something you hear in the song ‘Route 66’ of Nat King Cole. Soo there is a lot country, there is a lot Blues, I just don’t like it when people have to label stuff. I not mind about people who do. But for me it was always taking a little bit of everywhere. And make my own way with it. I like a lot parts of music like jazz, big band, Folk music , Country  and stuff. And wanted to mix everything. I know it’s not easy for people who review the album, or to get a place in festivals because they want to know ‘what style of music I’m playing’.  So I understand the need for people to label music, but It’s just not me. Soo to put it this way. My all personal blend of American Roots music from where I came from is a pretty good description of what my music is all about.

You also pointed ‘folk music’ does the Scandinavian folk music have a influence on yourmusic?
Not sure yet, but it started to have more and more influence yes. Because I been here for a while. For the moment, everything I do still sound very American. I started to work with more people here, so maybe in the future those influences will come in my music, you never know. It’s something that grown from himself I think.

What I also liked about 'Better Angels', the songs feel like that soft blanket you need to warm yourself in the darkest times of your life? agree? and has that been a conscious way of working?
That’s definitely a part of the whole plan. It’s really nice that you hear that. Some songs have kind of a heavy feeling. I personally wanted to make them easier do go down. Easier to approach. To make them kind of softer.

Also the fact that they shine in simplicity, without trying to be too difficult, but still touch the heart, is a plus for me. Your opinion?
I wanted to make a record that people understand, not being too difficult indeed. That was also a part of that plan. I like music that I’ kind of technical, and smart. But sometimes the music is to smart, but the message is not been delivered. It is very important for me to keep it down the earth, so the people understand the message.  

How were the regular reactions on the record till now?
I was very surprised about the positive reactions till now. I always prepare for the worst. Release something is personal, but putting it on the route is a scary thing. I was not sure if the people would like it, if people would understand the message. A lot people felt like connected with the message, what is fantastic. Because when I creating stuff it’s not for pleasing myself , or built millions of fans or things like that. That is not my goal. My goal is being as true as possible to myself, and to be true as possible to my potential audience. I think if a creator is being complete honest with what he doing, there is a audience out there. I made a record as honest as possible, but thankfully I got very good reaction on it. What was a pleasure to see and read.

Even though performing live is still difficult, no idea how things are going in Norway, are there any plans for live streaming? or should we wait until real live performance is possible again?
What I like doing is play live for people, coming to Belgium to. I’m not very found about live streaming.  In Norway it’s still a difficult course. But it has been better here than in other places. We been able to play in limited capacity. With a maximum of 200 people. In the biggest city in Norway there where allowed only 20 people, just image. In the same time we thankful that we were able to work and play. But to go to other places, meet new people and other places in the world ? It’s not still going on yet.

What's your opinion about streaming (live streaming, spotify)? i think it's a good medium to discover something. But that’s almost the only good thing about it I think
We did one in December. I appreciate the opportunity because that’s all we have. But playing music is all about look into the face of the audience hear them sheering and applause. It’s something you really need as musician. For me it’s that moment between me and the audience that’s all about.  I always looking for that magic that happens than. I need to have a audience. Soo it just not feels real that streaming. But, also next to Spotify , its sure an easy way to  learn to know new music and stuff yes, that’s a good thing about it.

What are the future plans anyway? For this and maybe next year to come
I’m already working on the next album acutely. I don’t know when it’s going to be recorded. We will see when that happens. I want to go on tour with this record. The real plan is coming down to Europe next year. We really hope for that. In the mean time I just writing new songs. Trying to stay productive.

What are you future ambitions and do you have something like a goal or end goal?
My only goal in live is that I would be really happy if I can continue creating music. And being there for my family, that’s the most important thing. But living from my music, doing this for many more years to come. I’m here because music is my way of living, I love doing it, feel comfortable in it. It’s a personal therapy. And I can make a living for my family to. I’m not looking to become world famous, that’s never been my goal. Having experience on stage and with other musicians but not need to come in big magazine and thing.

But if a major label makes you an offer that allows you to become world famous just by making a commercial record wouldn't you do it then?
I have had discussions with labels about that, to be honest. Make a song more popular so it can come on the radio, and ask like can’t you put this sound in that song , because it’s a popular sound or thing.. no that’s not me I not wane do that. Being popular can be great, but It is not something I want to be. I feel comfortable like it’s now.

Pics homepag @Torgrim Halvari

That’s a very nice statement to end this interview, I hope to see you on stage soon in Belgium. And thanks for this nice chat

Endlingr + Pothamus - Een intense totaalbeleving binnen een donker kader

Er werd onweer voorspeld, dat kwam er ook later in de nacht … Of de twee bands Endlingr en Pothamus , met hun toch vrij rauwe, donkere sound, waarbij putten uit de Hel dreigen open te gaan, de aanleiding vormden voor het gedonder en bliksem, laten we in het midden … Maar in elk geval zorgden ze voor een intens avondje in DOK, Gent van kippenvelmomenten en koude rillingen van innig genot!

Pothamus (****) klonk energiek en gedreven. De heren maken er niet teveel woorden aan vuil en stuwen het tempo telkens op naar een oorverdovende climax, iets wat we over heel de set hoorden; alles op dezelfde lijn én allesbehalve storend.
Wat een intense totaalbeleving binnen een donker kader, die op het buikgevoel inwerkt en perfect klinkt, gedreven door percussie, gitaar en zang, die door het lijf gieren. Je voelt het echt door je gewillig te laten meegaan in hun trip. Trouwens, hun debuut ‘Rava’ bewees het reeds.
We sloten de ogen en lieten hun imposante sound inwerken; duistere gemoedsrust en angstzweet waren ons deel. Echte beelden mochten erbij horen bij hun muziek .
Pothamus gaat een gevecht aan tussen licht en donker en deelt op een bijzonder golvende wijze prikkels uit, tot je helemaal zen wordt  en je veilig voelt in dat donker hoekje …  

Endlingr (*****) legt de lat nog wat hoger in ‘de intense totaalbeleving binnen een donker kader’. Het combo staat gehuld in een donkere walm, de lichtspots voelen aan als een muur van licht en klank waar je voortdurend tegen botst. De riffs klieven door je vege lijf, en de drums/percussie doen het gedonder later in de nacht verbleken.
Endlingr drijft het tempo op , die putten van de Hel compleet doen open zwaaien. Eens het publiek onder hypnose is gebracht door dit verschroeiend klankentapijt, ontstaat net die occulte totaalbeleving.
Een soort collectieve muzikale waanzin … waarbij we zelfs met de ogen open voortdurend demonische wezens zien verschijnen. We blijven hier verweesd, verdwaasd achter …
Ook hier is er echt het gemis aan beelden op de achtergrond, hoedanook weet Endlingr je fantasie te prikkelen. Een ondoordringbare ‘wall of sound’.

Beide bands verstaan de unieke  kunst om een oorverdovende, onwrikbare sound te creëren, die een intens totaalbeleven binnen een donker kader sterk onderstreept. Een schitterende ‘dark side’.

Pics Endlingr homepag @John Van De Mergel

Organisatie: Democrazy, Gent

Meskerem Mees - Van Pottes naar…

Pottes. Deelgemeente van Celles. Een dorpje net over de grens van West-Vlaanderen in Henegouwen. Elk jaar houden ze er een klein maar sfeervol festival: Fête Musicale. En dan hoor je de organisatoren denken: “Die zijn precies wel goed. Die kunnen misschien wel verder raken. We gaan ze eens bellen.” Zo kwamen dirk., Mooneye of Bazart al langs …  En toch stak er eentje bovenuit, qua rauw talent, daar in het afgelegen Pottes.  In 2019 kwam Meskerem Mees. Maar ondertussen ging het hard. Een jaar later bracht ze “Joe” uit, dat naar de #1 in de Afrekening ging. Ze won Humo’s Rock Rally. 2020 kreeg haar niet klein, want ook in DOK verwarmde ze het publiek met haar prachtige en gevoelige songs.

Met “Astronaut” richt Meskerem Mees zich naar de sterren. Het nummer zet de toon voor wat komen gaat: een avond vol kleine gitaartokkels en gepaste cellostrijksels, gecombineerd met puur zangtalent. Dat ze op DOK kon staan, had ze naar eigen zeggen niet verwacht twee jaar geleden, zeker omdat ‘de venue’ klaar is om afgebroken te worden.
“Seasons Shift” is simpelweg een topsong. En met “Parking Lot” kreeg het geheel genoeg energie, waarbij een pauze in het nummer steeds zorgde voor een sterke aanzet. Zelden hoor je iemand zo’n mooi geluid maken van stilte. Minimalistisch én krachtig. Een song die trouwens volledig af was en zonder titel de wereld werd ingestuurd. Het toont aan hoe bij Meskerem Mees alles gewoon organisch groeit, zonder zichzelf al te serieus te nemen.
“Don’t Ask Me” ging dan weer binnen als soulfood. Er was een glansrol weggelegd voor celliste Febe Lazou, met een fantastische tweede stem, naast het klassiek cellospel.
We hoorden tegelijkertijd het achtergrondgeluid van de stad, wat er vreemd genoeg perfect op aansloot. Intimiteit versus chaos.
“Great Dandelion” ging dan weer wat meer de folky ballad tour op. Stel je de soundtrack bij een scène van ‘Vikings’ voor, waar een dode koning met een vlot of bootje het water op wordt gezet.
Hoogtepunt van de set volgde natuurlijk met “Joe”, gevolgd door “Queen Bee”, die voor wat gitaarschwung zorgde. “The Writer” kabbelde lekker weg op het einde. Meskerem zingt over wat ze vroeger had willen worden. Wij zijn blij dat het gelukt is, en dat ze haar schrijfsels ook wil brengen voor een publiek.
“Hopelijk gaat het goed, dit hebben we er nog last minute ingestoken”, klonk het wanneer ze de cover van ‘The Young People’ inzetten. De twee draaiden hun stoel een kwartslag zodat ze naar elkaar keken en lieten het publiek even voor wat het was. En als je achteraf het origineel nog eens opzoekt en Meskerem Mees mist, dan weet je dat ook dit weer helemaal goed zat.

Meskerem Mees ging van Pottes naar het firmament. Wij hopen dat we er nog een eindje met haar mogen verblijven …

Neem gerust een kijkje naar de pics

http://musiczine.net/nl/foto-s/concert/meskerem-mees-18-06-2021.html

Organisatie: Democrazy, Gent