I was hoping to write quite an
ordinary article about the Colours of Ostrava festival, using phrases like
'colorful, but stitched together from fine materials' confidently, making you
aware of the many wonderful acts performing there or navigating you through the
city, elaborately describing every band's style, all serious stuff like that.
But since it was a festival
about music, it is the songs that can navigate you through my experience;
which, on top of that, is all too intimate to be read as more than a diary
entry, really. Sure, I will give you written hints – but mere names would be
all mute. So, without further warning, here's the first bit.
Matt Berninger goes into the
crowd during “Mr. November.”
If I'd say I was going there
to see The National, it would be partly true. Lots of bigger or smaller (namely
Chet Faker or Ólafur Arnalds) acts I like were going to be there, but The
National? A treat! Of course, you can feel the atmosphere only partly from
shitty videos like this. But, for sure, the lead singer taking a little walk is
a sensation (even if he does it regularly). Mr. Berninger coolly strolling on
the stage, drinking his wine, dived into the people with the strangest kind of
self-confidence.
Sir Robert Plant &
Sensational Spaceshifters!
Old, but still roarin'. Mr.
Plant's got it all – the voice, the ideas. The performance was not his only, as
the band stole a large portion of the spotlight. The guitar in the classic Led
Zeppelin song “Going to California” was so crafty I could not believe my ears
(Jimmy Page wearing a mask?). Gradual tasting of new sounds from an upcoming album
was keeping on toes even the most devoted Led Zep fans, who waited to sweat
their four-symbols-T-shirts to “Babe I'm Gonna Leave You.”
Well, those were the big
names! Of the acts completely unknown to me beforehand – here are some that
really got my full attention. They were all excellent performers.
Seasick Steve, whose pal
playing drums looks even older than he does, but the energy! Makes his own
guitars out of beer cans, vacuum cleaners (and at one point the drummer became
'broommer,' producing the rhythm in a rather unusual (sweepy) way (sounded
awesome, though; gotta tell mum):
Denver Broncos UK, “the band
with the native American girl in it”; their sound was so full of quietness that
they stood out in the ocean of noise:
Graveyard Train, with their
chains 'n' voices:
Musicalities of August
OK, here we go. (“Can he get
even more personal? What is this – a space for showin' off?!”) I know this is
supposed to be more or less coherent – but not only Ostrava stays tuned during
the summer.
Prague's MeetFactory brought
the legendary, un-thought, un-hoped-of experience.
Neutral Milk Hotel were in town. If you don't know them – give it a try. That should be enough, I'll leave it as it is.
And just this Saturday, Jakub
and Hanka, two classmates of mine (or maybe even your mates as well) performed
in Napa Bar. Naming the event “The Last Last Sprinkles gig” was not that a
bright idea as a) we want more and b) none of the explanations of “Why Last
Sprinkles exactly?” were all too satisfying. The all-acoustic show was great
and the duo even sang “Bloodbuzz Ohio” by The National (see the coherence?).
But one singer-songwriter should be especially mentioned, as the event was
somewhat a reaction to his performance:
Charlie Rayne and “Laura's
Song” from the EP Thirty Sunsets.
Jakub performed Charlie's
“Blue Eyes” and a few of his own stuff as well – while Hanka accompanied him
with her voice and played the piano. In a couple of songs they were even joined
by their friend playing cello.
And that's practically all you
could have been missing and I've been hearing! At least I tried to transmit
some of the vibes here and there – if you'd like, you can follow Charlie's
facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/CharlieRayneMusic) as he will be
touring in two months and Prague is surely going to be a stop. But even until
then I'm sure there will be some live performance I'll be surprised and amazed
by.
Luke Red