Tilburg delivers again. Last Friday I went to see Om and Lichens play at the 013 venue, a slight look into the future with the Roadburn festival coming up in a few months. Last year Om played the festival and showed how less is more. First to play was Robert Lowe, known for his work in 90 Day Men, who put on a very nice soundscape under his Lichens pseudonym . Sitting on the front of the stage with just a chair, a few pedals and a guitar he started his set which was based around a few heavily looped vocals. Long howls, high notes, deep basses, Lowe shows a great range and a very powerful voice. Topping layer onto layer the soundscape thickens, finally completed with some fierce notes from the electric guitar. The created drones are very soothing and even a tad hypnotizing. Just when I’m about to dose off in the sweet sounds they disappear only leaving Roberts maniacal laughter to tell us it’s over. At only twenty minutes it was a bit short but the build-up and energy was delivered at the perfect moments, a very intense performance.
Lichens only leaves the stage for a short period cause when I enter the venue again I’m surprised to see not two but three people climb the stage. Next to Al Cisneros of Sleep and Emil Amos known from Grails we see Robert Lowe on stage for the second time that night. This explains the short powerful burst he gave us before even more. Just when I start imagining what Om might sound like as a three-piece the bass starts to rumble and the drums kick in. Om holds tight to the less is more principal of their albums and gives us a bunch of minimalistic drone/stoner compositions based around bass guitar and drums. Highlight of the night are of course the super tight drums and fills by Amos who isn’t placed centre stage for nothing. But tonight a few more elements are introduced, some minimal guitar, delayed vocals and a tambourine or two are added for an even stronger Arabic mood. I can already imagine the Arabian armies march when I listen to their dragging riffs that seem to go on forever. Unfortunately there is no such thing and after a well crafted set of minimalism I go home satisfied, knowing that I witnessed a very unique side of Om.
As a crack addict to his drugs I return to Tilburg the following day for another night of impressive music. This time it’s Vatican Analog that try to drop our jaws in the Zwijsenpand with a few unbelievably talented musicians. Not mentioned on the flyer or anywhere else but indeed playing is Bas Verbeek. This local seems a bit odd next to the acoustic guitars of the following acts. Verbeek starts his set of at a very low volume, combined with only candle light and the low turnout the mood is set for what turns out to be a very atmospheric performance. Lush and minimal guitar tones slowly fill the room until they fade out again. At this point I can’t really grab hold of the direction Verbeek is going but just when I start to doubt his concept the layers start to thicken. No more silence, layers are arranged very carefully and the volume goes up every time something is added to the sound palette. On top of the soothing guitar Verbeek starts doing some mantra-like vocals, ever so slightly changing tone and mood. At this point the volume has grown from very quiet to indeed pretty loud. Just when parts of the room start vibrating the sound is cut off only leaving his exposed voice die out in a very emotional scream. While I still feel this wasn’t the most fitting artist in this line-up I really enjoyed the performance.
Next up is my reason for visiting this show Cam Deas, a very young lad from Shetfield, who has fully mastered the 12 string guitar. Starting of with some really harsh and unorthodox notes he seems to be testing our patience but we sure get rewarded when the more melodic pieces come in. What is there to say about something so pure, so well executed? Cam Deas knows how to translate emotions or even stories through his very soothing acoustic soundscapes. The insane technique isn’t used for bragging rights but only to create something amazingly pure. He sure leaves everybody in the room wanting more. Unfortunately I have to miss Jack Allett due to travelling by train but if he delivered anything like his recorded work this sure has been equally hypnotizing and rewarding as Cam Deas. Just before I leave this great night of intimate music I manage to buy the Cam Deas/Spoono 12” I’ve been wanting to obtain for a few months.
Over the past week I’ve given the record quite a few listens and I have to say it really manages to capture these acts the way one has to experience them. Frozen Lakes and Icy Leaves is a much better listen on the vinyl then the myspace-rip I’ve been using all that time and still is my favorite Cam Deas track by far. Spoono which is the name Jack Allett used until a short while ago brings a few less complicated tracks. One might say they sound easy when you compare them to the other side but they are just as much filled with emotion. A very good combination is presented on this 12” and if you ever get the chance to see this combination perform live, go for it.
PS: If anybody went to see Savage Republic @ TAC last Sunday, how was it?
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