Wednesday, 27 August 2014

The Musicalities of July and August

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