Throw Down Bones photo by Leanne Crowley
– EINDHOVEN, NETHERLANDS –
It is time for the third instalment of Eindhoven Psych Lab; the experimental science tinted psychedelic experience based in the industrial Dutch city. With the promise that frontiers must be explored, crossed and questioned, I head once more to De Effenaar.
Due to issues with every kind of transport known to man, and the influence of a popular Dutch star playing in the city, Friday’s proceedings are somewhat disjointed and as I arrive at the venue full of excitement and ready for music it is a disappointment to learn that both The Oscillation and Useless Eaters are stuck somewhere in time and space and thus their sets are pushed back. However, not one to dwell I take the time to peruse the record stalls and soak in the atmosphere with a Jupiler, before my first live band of the day take to the Observatory stage.
Italian cold-wave duo signed to Fuzz Club Records, Throw Down Bones, have had hype building around them with each performance and the room fills quickly. They get into their stride quickly with enough swagger to make Mick Jagger proud. ‘Our Home, The Holy Mountain’ is particularly impressive with its haunting melody and probing bass line. ‘Inner Lights’ is expertly delivered but the star of the set comes in the form of their anthem, ‘Saturator’ which is so impossibly dancey that the whole room is soon moving. I’ve had to wait a while for some music today, but this performance has more than made up for it.
After a quick journey up the stairs to the Main Lab its time for Hills, a Swedish groove band who have been producing the goods since 2007. Having had releases on both Rocket Recordings and Cardinal Fuzz, Hills offer a chilled and almost raw sound, keeping the music honest and producing a meditative space in their efforts. The Doors inspired organ sound is the stand out element and their set goes down graciously to the masses present.
Camera photo by Leanne Crowley
Back downstairs for Camera, an enigmatic Berlin quartet who shrouds themselves in mystery whilst creating some of the best modern kraut rock that there is. The band pride themselves on their improvisation and this is reflected here tonight. There is no set list, and no planned approach, just four guys who take to the stage and love the music they create. With new album Phantom of Liberty imminent, there is a buzz about them tonight which is infectious. Having not seen them live before but having wanted to for some time, I am blown away by the intensity emanating from the stage and enraptured by the motorik drumming. The set ends all too soon for my liking, but one thing is for certain, that performance is going to take some beating tonight.
Temples are billed as tonight’s headliner, however in true Eindhoven Psych Lab style, they are not the band to close the event. The Midlands group have been absent for a while and so the promise of new material is enough to lure most to the Main Lab, that and their blend of pop grooves which guarantee a good dance. ‘A Question Isn’t Answered’ is the song of their set for me with its distinct vocal harmonies and lulling enchantment. They do throw out a couple of new tunes which please the crowd and the new album is sounding interesting, although its details remain a well guarded secret.
One of the many appeals about this festival is the inclusion of experimental incidences like the next offering; Radar Men from the Moon Vs Gnod. Both of these bands in their own right offer a unique live experience, and so when adding them together the result is quite frankly staggering. A wall of noise erupts from the Observatory stage and does not desist until their time is done. There is a change of vocalist from the Gnod side of things adding an unexpected element that intrigues and the use of both bands drummers is a nice touch. There is so much going on on stage that its difficult at times to keep up, however this makes for an intense experience that no-one in the room is likely to forget anytime soon.
Temples photo by Leanne Crowley
The Oscillation finally takes to the stage in the Main Lab, several hours later than anticipated. I thankfully catch the end of their set with ears still ringing after the last performance. The project, previously known as The Orichalc Phase, has recently released their fourth studio album Monographic and with a stand in drummer, their set tonight is a journey through their back catalogue. They are received well and it’s great to see them on a large stage, where they look at home.
Proceedings for today are rounded up in true Eindhoven Psych Lab style with Cairo Liberation Front Meets High Wolf. Cairo Liberation Front are well known for causing mischief with their uplifting electro sound, add to the mix French musician High Wolf, known for his percussive tribal music and you can perhaps get a sense of what is going on here. The two blend seamlessly and having not been aware of either before, this is a performance that will stick in my mind for creating a rustic groove that has the remaining revellers in rapture.
The night draws to a close and people head off in all directions, with the keen promise in mind that as enjoyable as today has been – tomorrow will be better.
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Lover of all things psych and shoegaze and the mind behind Astral Elevator; constantly seeking new musical experiences in a world full of noise.
