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31.07-01.08.2015 Mini-Rock-Festival (Horb am Neckar)

Sunday, May 24th, 2015
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Mini-Rock-Festival 2015

Der Sommer steht vor der Tür, und es ist wieder Zeit für die Festivalplanung! Mich hat es zwar mittlerweile ins Ausland verschlagen, aber das Mini-Rock-Festival in Horb ist natürlich – wie in den letzten Jahren – fest gesetzt für den Sommer.

Große Neuerungen stehen in diesem Jahr nicht an; Gelände und Organisation haben sich in den letzten Jahren bewährt, da gibt es also keinen Grund zur Veränderung. Los geht es wie immer mit dem Warm-Up am Donnerstag. Ob es auch wieder Live-Karaoke geben wird und ob der neue Skatepark beibehalten wird, wurde noch nicht bekanntgegeben, aber es würde mich überraschen, wenn dem nicht so wäre. Beides waren im letzten Jahr schöne Ergänzungen zum sowieso schon tollen Programm.

Und auch beim diesjährigen Line-Up zeigt sich eine gewisse Konstanz: Itchy Poopzkid waren schon 2012 dabei, Heißkalt und Schmutzki 2013, und einen der besten Auftritte im letzten Jahr lieferten ganz klar Trailerpark ab – daher sind diese für 2015 als Headliner gebucht! Der zweite Headliner ist in diesem Jahr Royal Republic; unterschiedlicher könnten die Headliner eines Festivals kaum sein. Deutscher Hip-Hop und schwedischer Punk! Und auch hier gilt wieder: warum ändern, was sich bestens bewährt hat? Genau dieser Stilmix macht das Mini-Rock-Festival aus, und vor den Bühnen findet sich immer genau der Teil des Publikums ein, der eben diese Musik mag. Für den Rest gibt es derweil Zeltplatzparty. Insgesamt wirkt das Line-Up diesmal etwas “hip-hop-iger” als sonst, aber das ist bei Trailerpark als Headliner nicht wirklich überraschend.

Die Co-Heads klingen für mich in diesem Jahr weniger vielversprechend: Genetikk sagt mir nichts und weder Foto noch Bio locken mich, und Kvelertak sind … nun ja, Kvelertak eben. 😉 Die Erfahrung sagt aber, dass beim Mini-Rock auch die Bands, an die man die geringsten Erwartungen hat

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, regelmäßig für Überraschungen sorgen. Ich bin also gespannt, wer in diesem Jahr meine große Neuentdeckung sein wird!

Tickets fürs Mini-Rock-Festival kosten 48 Euro (Camping zusätzlich 9 Euro plus Müllpfand). Wer gleich fünf Tickets bestellt, bekommt noch einige zusätzliche Goodies. Alle Infos, Ticketlinks und das komplette Line-Up gibt’s auf www.mini-rock-festival.de.

31.07.-01.08.2015 Mini-Rock-Festival (Horb am Neckar)

Saturday, August 1st, 2015
31.07.-01.08.2015 – Photos Mini-Rock-Festival (Horb am Neckar)
This entry doesn't exist in English.

Ende Juli, Anfang August – wie immer Zeit fürs Mini-Rock-Festival in Horb! Oder sollte man in diesem Jahr eher “Mini-Hip-Hop-Open” sagen? Das war wohl bei vielen der erste Gedanke beim Blick aufs Line-Up, zumindest am ersten Tag. Genetikk und Trailerpark als Co-Head und Headliner auf der Hauptbühne … und das erste Konzert, das ich am ersten Tag mitbekam, war Fatoni – also auch Hip Hop.

Mini Rock 2015Aber kein Grund zur “Sorge”! Wie immer hat es das Mini Rock geschafft, eine sehr abwechslungsreiche Mischung an Bands zu buchen, die live allesamt tolle Shows abliefern. Von den Bands, die am Freitag spielten, kannte ich vorab gerade mal zwei – aber jede Befürchtung, dass der Tag vielleicht ein wenig zäh werden könnte, war voll und ganz unnötig. Mal wieder ist es dem Booking-Team gelungen, Bands an Land zu ziehen, die man nicht kennen muss, um sie toll zu finden!

Und da ich meine Berichte von Jahr zu Jahr ja gerne mal verschieden aufziehe, um nicht immer wieder dasselbe zu schreiben (außer natürlich, dass das Mini Rock ein ganz tolles und sympathisches Festival mit fantastischer Live-Musik ist!), nehme ich in diesem Jahr mal die kontroverse Variante: Bewertungen. 1 ist mies, 6 ist grandios, und alle Bands, die nicht auftauchen, habe ich entweder nicht gesehen oder als völlig belanglos empfunden. Und jede Bewertung ist natürlich total subjektiv. 😉

Freitag, 31. Juli

Fatoni

Ein Rapper, allein auf der Bühne mit seinem DJ-Koffer. Gute Texte (und problemlos zu verstehen) und eine unterhaltsame Show – der Trick, das Publikum mit Schokolade vor die Bühne zu locken, ist doch deutlich subtiler als ein gejammertes “nun kommt doch mal näher …!” (OK, nicht dass man das beim Mini Rock bräuchte, aber das konnte er ja nicht wissen. *g*)

Auch sonst: Ein unterhaltsamer Freestyle-Part über die “Viva con Agua”-Flagge, diverse Kopfbedeckungen und Kuscheltiere, Jonglieren mit Äpfeln – ein guter Start! Und dann die Patzer: Erst bringt er das Publikum ohne jeden Grund zum salutieren (“Ich will aber keinen Hitlergruß sehen!” – aber salutieren? Warum bitte schön überhaupt?!), und dann ein “Das Sample ist von einem Typen aus England, der macht so schwule Musik … Also, ‘schwul’ jetzt nicht im Sinne von Sex, sondern … äh … das ist ein schwieriges Thema.” Mini Rock 2015Was ist so schwierig daran zu sagen “Hups, jetzt ist mir ‘schwul’ als Schimpfwort rausgerutscht, war nicht so gemeint, sorry”?! So ging das gar nicht, und bestätigte leider leider das Klischee des dummen Rappers. =:-(

3/6

Adam Angst

Eigentlich hatte ich vor, diesmal hauptsächlich Fotos vom Publikum zu machen und nur bei wenigen Bands nach vorne in den Graben zu gehen. Adam Angst kamen auf die Bühne (ja, “kamen” – die Band heißt Adam Angst, nicht nur der Frontmann), und nach den ersten paar Sekunden war ich auf dem Weg Richtung Graben, denn das musste festgehalten werden. 😉

Ein grandioser Auftakt für ein absolut überzeugendes Konzert! Extrem viel Energie auf der Bühne, die Band klar angeführt vom charismatischen Frontmann, der sich komplett in die Texte hineinlebt und dem man jedes Wort glaubt. Und auch ohne die Songs vorab zu kennen, konnte man jedes Wort verstehen. Außer denen, die vom Publikum gegrölt wurden, denn es waren durchaus einige Fans da! Tolle Stimmung, super engagierte Texte (“Wir singen Lieder über Dinge, die keinen Spaß machen. Viel Spaß dabei!”), laute Musik mit sehr gutem Sound und ein Frontmann, den man nicht aus den Augen lassen will. Besser geht es nicht! Und wer Adam Angst im Zelt verpasst hat, darf sich gerne in den Allerwertesten beißen …

6/6

Mini Rock 2015

We butter the bread with butter

Ein Bandname, den man sich merkt. Ich war mir sicher, ich habe sie schon mal irgendwo gesehen – meinen Aufzeichnungen zufolge stimmt das aber nicht. Und ich gestehe, ich war ziemlich verwirrt, als ich nach den ersten Songs gemerkt habe, dass das Deutsche sind. Und offenbar singen sie auch auf Deutsch – das ist aber nur an wenigen Stellen ersichtlich. Meine Klassifizierung für die Band war “Elektro-Screamo-Metal”; richtig gute Musik, die auch vom Publikum super aufgenommen wurde (und vor der Bühne erhob sich eine Staubwolke … *g*), dazu aber nur Gegrunze und Geschreie, von dem man kein Wort verstehen konnte.

Der Sound an sich war gar nicht schlecht, nur die Stimme war nicht erkennbar – vermutlich also so gewollt. Nicht unbedingt mein Ding, aber die Fans vor der Bühne juckte das überhaupt nicht. Dort wurde gefeiert, auf Befehl in Zeitlupe getanzt und die ersten Circle Pits und Walls of Death des Festivals eingeübt. 😉

4/6

Rise of the Northstar

Rise of the Northstar war die erste Band, bei der ich so überhaupt keinen Schimmer hatte, was mich erwartete. Daher war der Plan auch, nur mal kurz zu gucken und dann die Zeit zum essen zu nutzen. Pustekuchen! Hardcore aus … Japan? Aber das sind doch keine Japaner? Oder …? Ein Blick ins Programm offenbart, dass es Franzosen sind, aber darauf hätte ich auch nie getippt. 😉 Sehr japanisch angehaucht auf jeden Fall.

Mini Rock 2015Und SEHR hart. Das Mosh-Pit vor der Bühne war ein einziges Schlachtfeld, aus dem regelmäßig jemand heraushumpelte. So gesehen werde ich Hardcore wohl niemals verstehen, aber so lange man sich an der Seite halten kann … Die Show war eindrucksvoll, und das, obwohl der Frontmann verletzungsbedingt fast das ganze Konzert über auf der Bühne saß, statt herumzuspringen. Dennoch ein musikalisch toller und sehr abwechslungsreicher Auftritt – und wer Action sehen wollte, konnte ja einfach ins Publikum gucken!

4/6

Genetikk

Wieder Rap auf der Hauptbühne, diesmal mit Masken. Viel mehr kam bei mir aber auch nicht an, muss ich leider sagen. Die Texte, die die beiden sich zusammennuschelten, waren absolut nicht zu verstehen. Und auch sonst war das Konzert äußerst eintönig. Möglich, dass die Texte grandios sind und das Konzert fantastisch war, wenn man die Songs kennt – für jemanden, der die Band nicht kennt, war es aber einfach nur langweilig. Immerhin verwendeten sie einige bekannte Samples, sodass man als Nicht-Fan zumindest hier und da mal mitwippen konnte. Insgesamt war es aber klar ein Konzert für Fans.

Mini Rock 2015Und die waren begeistert! Die Stimmung im Publikum war super – vor der Bühne war schon richtig viel los, die meisten kannten die Texte und waren voll dabei. Dafür gibt es dann doch noch ein paar Punkte, denn beim Festival geht es ja genau darum, das Publikum zu begeistern, und das klappte bei den meisten. 🙂

3/6

Heißkalt

Die Lokalmatadoren aus Stuttgart! Dementsprechend in einem gerammelt vollen Zelt, mit schreienden Fans vorne und tanzwilligem Publikum dahinter. Auch auf der Bühne durchgehend Bewegung vom ersten Ton an – wenn auch mit dem alten Zelt-Problem, dass die Beleuchtung am Abend eigentlich nur “viel Nebel” und “irgendwie hell” zulässt, aber keine abwechslungsreiche Lichtshow, bei der man die Akteure auch mal erkennen kann.

Aber es geht ja schließlich auch um die Musik, und da lieferten Heißkalt voll und ganz ab. Ich gestehe, ich kannte wenig (sicher aufgrund meines Das-Ding-Mangels, seit ich umgezogen bin 😉 ), Spaß gemacht hat es trotzdem. Das Zelt leerte sich zwar immer mehr von Song zu Song, das lag aber simpel und einfach daran, dass sich viele schon auf den Weg zu Trailerpark machten. Die Stimmung war dennoch grandios, und auch wenn ich sagen muss, dass der Funke auf mich nicht ganz übergesprungen ist: Der Headliner-Spot im Zelt war voll und ganz verdient!

5/6

Trailerpark

Mini Rock 2015Im letzten Jahr noch nachmittags, mitten im Gewitter, dieses Jahr als Headliner. Kann das funktionieren? Blöde Frage … natürlich, denn schon im letzten Jahr war der Trailerpark-Auftritt absolut headliner-würdig! Dementsprechend diesmal auch die Verhältnisse vor der Bühne: Chaos schon bevor die Band auf die Bühne kam. Gedränge, Gedrücke, Leute, die sich rausziehen ließen, und Gekreische und Geschreie, als es dann endlich losging. Yay, so muss das sein!

Trailerpark treffen überhaupt nicht meinen Humor, aber unterhaltsam sind sie dennoch absolut. Im Gegensatz zu Genetikk konnte man verstehen, wovon die Texte handelten, und da waren auch durchaus gute und engagierte Themen dabei. Ob die von allen richtig aufgenommen werden, ist allerdings nicht sicher … Ich hoffe ja, dass ich mich bei den “Sieg heil”-Rufen im Publikum vor Beginn verhört habe oder dass mir der ironische Kontext fehlt. Da die Rufe aber gleich mit “Nazis raus!”-Rufen gekontert wurden, fürchte ich, dass dem nicht so ist und Trailerpark offensichtlich auch eine Handvoll sehr sehr dumme Fans haben. 🙁

Das kann man ihnen aber nicht vorwerfen, denn Idioten gibt es überall. Der Auftritt war jedenfalls spitze und das Publikum voll und ganz begeistert bei der Sache. Also auch auf der Hauptbühne ein voll und ganz würdiger Headliner!

5/6

Samstag, 01.08.2015

The Hunting Elephants

Von der ersten Band auf der Bühne erwartet man ja nicht wirklich etwas … Der Regenguss gegen Mittag hatte meinen Zeitplan durcheinander gebracht, sodass ich es leider erst gegen Ende des Konzertes aufs Gelände schaffte – daher keine Wertung, denn zwei Lieder ist nicht genügend Grundlage dafür. Ein paar Worte aber dennoch, denn ich war sehr positiv überrascht! Natürlich waren keine Menschenmassen vor der Bühne, aber durchaus einige Tanzwütige, u.a. ein rosa Elefant. 😉Mini Rock 2015 Keine Ahnung, ob der von der Band mitgebracht wurde (wäre ja eine lustige Aktion); in jedem Fall wurde fleißig getanzt und mitgemacht. Und die Musik war auch klasse, rockig mit schönen Melodien. Schade, die hätte ich mir auch gern komplett angesehen!

Ohne Wertung

Schlaraffenlandung

Auch im Zelt ging es langsam los, mal wieder mit ein paar Lokalmatadoren: Schlaraffenlandung aus Balingen mit einer guten Mischung aus Rock und Rap. Sie schafften es zwar nicht ganz, das Zelt um die Uhrzeit in einen “Hexenkessel” zu verwandeln, aber die Musik passte perfekt als Opener. Nicht zu hart, aber tanzbar und rockig genug, um richtig wach zu werden. Die Texte wirkten zwar recht belanglos, aber hey – mittags um drei braucht man auf einem Festival noch nicht die Welt zu retten. Stattdessen lieber tanzen – und dafür lieferten Schlaraffenlandung den perfekten Soundtrack!

4/6

Hot Chick Banged

Überraschung pur danach auf der Hauptbühne. Ich weiß nicht wirklich, was ich von Hot Chick Banged erwartet hatte (ich gestehe, ich habe mich nicht vorbereitet, sondern bin komplett ohne Vorwissen ins Konzert gegangen) – irgendwas mit Bläsern vielleicht? So ‘ne typische Mini-Rock-Samstag-Mittag-Tanz-Band?

Mini Rock 2015Weiter entfernt ging nicht. 😉 Der Sänger kam gleich mal mit Zwangsjacke und Gasmaske mit eingebautem Mikro auf die Bühne, tobte völlig durchgeknallt in der Gegend herum, und die Band tat es ihm gleich. Man wusste gar nicht, wo man zuerst hingucken sollte; oder ob man nicht doch erst hochhüpfen oder sich ins Mosh-Pit werfen soll (okay, ich persönlich verzichte ja gerne auf letzteres, aber rhetorisch gesprochen … 😉 ).

Musikalisch erinnerten HCB mich stark an System of a Down, auch wenn die Texte vermutlich etwas weniger inhaltsvoll waren. Zum Vergleich folgende Ansage zwischen den Stücken: “Ich habe mal gehört, es gibt nur 45 Menschen auf dieser Welt, und 35 davon sind Cheeseburger.” Und kurz darauf schnappte der Sänger sich eine Kettensäge und ging auf ein aus Konfetti bestehendes Wespennest los. Sagte ich schon “völlig durchgeknallt”? Aber stark. Richtig stark!

5/6

Swiss und die andern

Noch eine Band ohne Wertung, allerdings aus völlig anderem Grund als bei den Hunting Elephants. Mini Rock 2015Musikalisch klangen Swiss und die andern (übrigens aus Hamburg, nicht aus der Schweiz) super. Hip Hop oder Punk? Nicht klar definierbar, aber gut gemischt. Aber: der Mensch war mir von der ersten Sekunde an so unsympathisch, dass ich nicht zu einer objektiven Wertung fähig wäre. Und dass ich das Konzert auch nur teilweise gesehen habe. Ich würde ja behaupten, dass man ein (feierwilliges!) Publikum auch anders motivieren kann als durch Beschimpfungen.

Ohne Wertung

Teesy

Kommt auf der Hauptbühne jetzt die traditionelle Sommer-Sonnen-Tanz-Band? Musiker in weißem Hemd und Fliege wirken vielversprechend, aber … nun ja. Tanzen konnte man zu Teesy sicher, und es gab auch noch eine kleine Tanzstunde für alle, die sich nicht so richtig trauten.

Aber viele hatten den Weg vor die Bühne nicht gefunden. Und mit seinem Max-Herre-Pop konnte Teesy auch absolut niemanden vom Campingplatz aufs Gelände locken … In meinen Augen passte die Musik überhaupt nicht zum Mini Rock, und das Desinteresse des Publikums war offensichtlich. Vor der Bühne wurde ein bisschen mitgewippt, aber Stimmung sieht anders aus. Und spätestens beim “Kommt näher an die Bühne – hier vorne werden Träume wahr!” war es für mich Zeit für einen kurzen Abstecher zurück in den Ort …

2/6

Itchy Poopzkid

Mini Rock 2015Die Poopzkids sind Wiederholungstäter. Bei ihrem letzten Auftritt beim Mini Rock konnten sie allerdings nicht vollends überzeugen, sondern kamen sehr distanziert, wenn nicht sogar arrogant rüber. Davon war diesmal NICHTS zu spüren! Ganz im Gegenteil – von Beginn an hatten sie das Publikum fest im Griff, und bis mindestens zum Mischpult waren alle auf dem Gelände dabei. Yeah!

Ich persönlich mag es ja sehr, wenn Bands sich und ihre Konzerte nicht so ernst nehmen und nicht nur die Musik gut, sondern auch die Ansagen unterhaltsam sind. Und ja, Itchy Poopzkid sind Labertaschen, und sie stellten das mal wieder voll und ganz unter Beweis. “Und jetzt ein neues Lied! Ja ich weiß, ich fand uns früher auch besser …” – “Zum ersten Mal haben wir hier vor 9 Jahren gespielt, da waren einige von euch noch gar nicht geboren. Zum Beispiel die erste Reihe!” – zur Staubwolke: “Brennt’s da?” Und zuguterletzt spendierte Panzer noch einen Pfirsich: “Einmal abbeißen und weitergeben! Wenn ihr nur kleine Bissen nehmt, reicht der für alle!”

Ein absolut toller Auftritt, der sehr gut ankam. Ich würde ja sehr gerne die volle Punktzahl vergeben, aber ich muss Schlagzeuger Max recht geben: “Ihr schafft es echt immer wieder, jedes bisschen Energie, das da ist, mit euren Ansagen zu töten.” Ich mag Gelaber auf der Bühne, aber ohne wäre das Konzert vermutlich noch druckvoller gewesen.

5/6

Mini Rock 2015

Schmutzki

Und weiter ging es mit lokalen Bands und Punk auf deutsch. Dass Schmutzki direkt nach Itchy Poopzkid spielten war vielleicht etwas unglücklich, da die Zielgruppe ja doch sehr ähnlich ist – und so dauerte es ein wenig, bis das Zelt gefüllt war. Wobei der “Schmutzki-Mob” natürlich schon vor der Bühne wartete! Schmutzki waren definitiv Spitzenreiter im Promoten ihres Auftritts, denn es war schwierig, irgendjemanden im Publikum auszumachen, der KEINEN Schmutzki-Aufkleber irgendwo kleben hatte. 😉

Aber die Jungs erfüllten alle Erwartungen und rissen das Zelt ab! Äußerst tanzbare Punkmusik, dazu viel Interaktion (und auf Aufforderung saß tatsächlich das komplette Zelt auf dem Boden, unglaublich!), Luftballons, und auch wenn die Texte ein wenig vernuschelt waren, sangen alle lauthals mit. Auch wenn es bei “Es ist dein … Schaum?!” einige sehr verwirrte Blicke und plötzliche “Song! Er singt ‘Song’!!”-Ausrufe gab. Genau so muss Punkrock sein!

6/6

Kvelertak

Ich habe Kvelertak schon sehr oft gesehen – meist gezwungenermaßen als Vorband. Ich mag sie nicht sonderlich; meiner Meinung nach ist ihre Musik reiner Krach, und die wenigen Melodien und die Energie auf der Bühne reichen mir persönlich nicht aus. Und falls sich jemand (wie ich) fragt: norwegisch. Sie singen auf norwegisch. Oder zumindest sind ihre Liedtitel norwegisch …

Mini Rock 2015Dennoch: Erwartet hatte ich ein sehr eindrucksvolles Konzert, denn musikalisch passen Kvelertak ja perfekt zum Mini Rock, und Bands wie sie werden normalerweise mit einem riesigen und brutalen Mosh-Pit vor der Bühne gefeiert. Normalerweise … Diesmal jedoch war einfach keiner da. Vor der Bühne war sehr sehr wenig los – erschreckend für den Co-Head! Und für mich völlig unverständlich, denn das Konzert war richtig gut. Typisch Kvelertak natürlich, sprich viel Lärm und Gegrunze und wenig Melodie, aber laut und schnell und gut! Die (verhältnismäßig) wenigen Fans vor der Bühne wirkten auch sehr begeistert, und das Mosh-Pit sah gefährlich aus. Aber das Konzert hätte genauso gut zwei Stunden früher stattfinden können … sehr schade. Denn Kvelertak lieferten ein absolut solides Konzert, es war nur kaum jemand da, der es sehen wollte … Und für Nicht-Fans wie mich war die Spielzeit definitiv zu lang.

3/6

Chakuza

Nachdem der Samstag ja doch sehr rock-lastig war, gab es zum Abschluss im Zelt mit Chakuza noch mal eine Portion Hip Hop. Das Zelt war gut gefüllt – kein Vergleich zu Heißkalt am Vorabend, aber die fielen ja auch eher in die Schmutzki-Kategorie. 😉 Gute Stimmung auf jeden Fall!

Der komplette Auftritt war insgesamt eher ruhig, was im Zelt aber erstaunlich gut funktionierte. Dazu tolle Melodien und abwechslungsreiche Musik. Für mich kein absolutes Highlight, aber ein gutes Konzert!

4/6

Mini Rock 2015

Royal Republic

Zeit für den Headliner: Royal Republic! Mein erster Gedanke, als sie loslegten, war “auf die Fresse!”. Oder genauer gesagt: “AUF DIE FRESSE!” Ein grandioser Abschluss fürs Festival! Die Songs der Schweden sind extrem eingängig und mitreißend. Man muss sie nicht kennen, um Spaß zu haben und zu feiern – das bewies die Band problemlos selbst, als sie ein paar neue Lieder ins Set einbaute und die ganz genau wie die altbekannten Lieder abgefeiert wurden.

Das Publikum dankte es ihnen mit diversen “Royal Republic”-Sprechchören, die die Band gleich in eigene Lieder umwandelte. Und man konnte klar sehen, wieviel Spaß ihnen das machte. 🙂 Natürlich, bei Trailerpark am Tag zuvor war die Stimmung insgesamt lauter; es wirkte aber auch so, als wären am Samstag insgesamt weniger Zuschauer auf dem Gelände gewesen. Und Royal Republic wussten – genau wie Trailerpark – ALLE zu unterhalten, auch diejenigen, die nicht wegen ihnen vor Ort waren. Ein perfektes Konzert also als Abschluss für ein wunderbares Festival!

6/6

Fazit

Wie in jedem Jahr hier auch noch ein kleines Fazit zum Festival insgesamt. Und weil ich gerade so schön am Punkte verteilen bin, mache ich doch im gleichen Stil weiter …

Die Musik

Wie schon im Bericht erwähnt: Wie auch in den letzten Jahren war die Musikauswahl sehr vielseitig, und durch die Bank lieferten alle Bands tolle Konzerte ab. Also Daumen hoch!

Mini Rock 2015Für mich persönlich könnte es ein bisschen weniger Hip Hop und Rap sein, und in diesem Jahr war der Freitag in meinen Augen etwas schwächer besetzt. Aber das ist natürlich auch eine finanzielle Frage, und viele kleine tolle Bands sind im Endeffekt deutlich besser als eine richtig große und teure.

5/6

Die Organisation

Auch bei der Organisation lief wie immer alles rund. Auf Facebook gab es einige Beschwerden wegen des vollen Campingplatzes; dazu kann ich als Campingverweigerer nichts sagen, aber es wurden nach und nach weitere Flächen geöffnet, sodass sich das sicher mit der Zeit entspannte.

Ein paar Besucherwege (insbesondere der zum Einlass) sind eher unpraktisch und schwer zu finden

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, aber daran gewöhnt man sich schnell, und bewährt=gut, daher kein Minuspunkt dafür.

Das Essensangebot könnte ein wenig größer sein, was dann sicher auch die Schlangen am Abend verkürzen würde, dafür sind die Preise absolut fair. Und schmecken tut’s auch!

5/6

Die Aktionen

Mini Rock 2015
Seit Jahren beim Mini Rock dabei: Viva con Agua! Pfandbecher spenden für einen guten Zweck, das macht es leicht, etwas Gutes zu tun, und die Fahnen geben im Publikum ein tolles Bild ab (und den Bands ein gutes Ansagenthema). Hierfür also mindestens 6/6!

Dieses Jahr ist mir zum ersten Mal Gizeh so richtig aufgefallen, hauptsächlich wegen der schicken “Roll and rock”-Taschen. Fände ich gut, wenn es nicht Zigarettenwerbung wäre … die finde ich bei einem Festival, dessen Publikum großenteils noch an der Volljährigkeit arbeitet, leider völlig daneben. 🙁

Dann gab es noch Dinge, die weniger offensichtlich waren – die Aufforderung, übriggebliebene Dosen an die Caritas zu spenden, sowie die Unterstützung der Aktion Drachenei, die benachteiligten Kindern und Jugendlichen Musikunterricht ermöglicht. Tolle Aktionen, die aber deutlich aggressiver hätten beworben werden können. Denn gerade das ist ja das Tolle an Viva con Agua – man KANN die Aktion nicht übersehen. Das Drachenei-Sparschwein an der Kasse habe ich trotz vorheriger Ankündigung komplett vergessen. Zum Glück tauchte es später noch im Pressezelt auf – allerdings auch da ohne expliziten Hinweis.

Sprich, die GUTEN Dinge dürften ruhig größer und aufdringlicher dargestellt werden. Zigarettenkrams braucht kein Mensch …

4/6

Das Wetter

18°C und Regen? Nix da! Am Freitag schön sonnig, am Samstag bewölkt, aber fast trocken und nicht zu kalt – deutlich besser als erwartet. Ein paar Grad wärmer hätte es allerdings durchaus sein dürfen, und die einzelnen Tropfen am Samstag ließen einen ständig fürchten, dass der große Regenguss bald kommt. Also durchaus noch Verbesserungspotential, aber auch nicht übel!

4/6

Mini Rock 2015

Das Publikum

Beide Daumen hoch! Ein sehr junges Publikum in diesem Jahr, aber sehr feierfreudig und umgänglich. Normalerweise begegnet man auf jedem Festival hier und da einem Idioten, der vor lauter Alkohol jeden Anstand verloren hat oder der von Anfang an keinen hatte. Ich bin sicher, die gab es diesmal auch – mir sind sie aber nicht begegnet. Dafür hab ich viel nettes Miteinander erlebt, freundliche Menschen, gute Laune und Rücksicht. Yay!

Abzüge gibt es nur für diverse Freiwild- und Onkelz-Shirts. Und ich hoffe ja immer noch, dass ich mich bei den “Sieg heil”-Rufen verhört habe. Falls nicht, gilt die Wertung als Minus-Punkte …

5/6

Die Security

Mini Rock 2015Auch das ein wiederkehrendes Thema in meinen Berichten vom Mini Rock: die Security ist grandios! So ein freundliches und entspanntes Miteinander von Publikum und Security gibt es sonst nirgends. Keine Provokationen, kein Geschreie, keinerlei Gewalt, keine sinnlosen Verbote. Und auch wenn es im Bühnengraben richtig zur Sache geht, haben die Jungs und Mädels ein Grinsen im Gesicht und Spaß bei der Sache.

Schmutzki bedankten sich extra bei der Volleyballmannschaft, die das Mini Rock ihnen in den Graben gestellt hatte und die unermüdlich die Luftballons zurück ins Publikum warf. Und sichtlich Spaß dabei hatte. Und das ist toll.

10/6 – mindestens! 😀

Bis nächstes Jahr, liebes Mini Rock!

17.07.2015 Skambankt (Rootsfestivalen, Brønnøysund)

Sunday, July 19th, 2015
17.07.2015 – Photos Skambankt (Rootsfestivalen, Brønnøysund)

I thought moving to Norway would make it easier to catch more Skambankt concerts – but this year, Skambankt focused on Denmark and “anywhere but Trøndelag”, it seemed. =;-) But after checking their festival list, it wasn’t hard to decide on Brønnøysund and Rootsfestivalen! A great line-up, and a nice little town in beautiful landscape. And the festival turned out to be a great choice: Awesome concerts, sold out and a big crowd, and with a lot of free activities during the day the organizers managed to get the local audience involved. Thus a really nice festival!

But: Who the hell came up with the idea to have Skambankt play between Marit Larsen (pop) and Gabrielle (pop)? I mean, nothing against those two ladies, their concerts were fun, but Skambankt had a really hard time between these shows. Hardly anybody seemed to even know them – except for a handful of people in the front row. Or wait, I did see someone singing along during Malin, I think … but that was it.

So Skambankt came on to basically no reaction from probably the smallest crowd of the whole weekend … and an hour or so later, they went off after huge applause of at least twice the crowd. Yay! =:-D

They seemed a bit uncomfortable at the beginning of the concert – and it certainly didn’t help that Tollak broke a bass string during the third song … But “Skambankt” as first song worked great (“Nå vet dokke i hvert fall ka me heite!”), and while the first songs got a “polite” reaction, the audience clearly started enjoying themselves when Skambankt played “Vår bør”. With artists like Gabrielle (for kids) and Roger Hodgson (from Supertramp) at the festival, the audience was very very mixed, with an average way older than at other festivals. Terje knew how to deal with that though: “Is there anyone here who used to listen to punk music when they were young? And who maybe still likes it?” – sure, that appealed to the inner rebel of course. =;-) So with “Me sa nei!” they really got the audience, and from then on, the concert was great fun and less work for Skambankt, I assume. =;-) Even though there were still a few slightly awkward “I need to say something now, but what?” announcements between the songs … Like when we were supposed to count down from 25 in “Me sa nei!” and Terje asked if Brønnøysund can count … which they surely can, because of the register. Uhem. (For the Germans: Brønnøysund = Flensburg. No idea what the respective towns are in other countries. *gg*) Or when Terje started talking about Morten Abel, who played the night before: “Men me har viktigere ting å gjøre nå enn å snakke om Morten Abel. Som å spille Skambankt-konsert!”

But Børge saved the day with an awesome drum solo (even though drum solos aren’t really allowed at festivals, but if the drummer is from Hammerfest, it is okay). And the audience loved it! They got more and more into the show, and again, it was a heard-earned victory for Skambankt, and a great and fun show!

Of course festival shows are in no way comparable to “real” Skambankt shows, but they are definitely a great way to bridge the time between tours. =:-)

The setlist:

  • Skambankt
  • Voodoo
  • Dynasti
  • Vår bør
  • Me sa nei
  • Mantra
  • Alarm
  • Som en sirene
  • Desertør
  • O dessverre
  • Malin
  • Stormkast #1

April 2015 – Seigmen, Marky Ramone’s Blitzkrieg & Cloroform (Trondheim)

Sunday, May 3rd, 2015

Quite a few concerts again in the last two weeks! And all quite fun, which means I should write at least a few words. Especially considering that there aren’t really any other concerts on my calendar until the summer festivals!

18.04.2014 – Seigmen (Byscenen)

First up were Seigmen at Byscenen. They left quite an impression after their concert at Verket festival last year, so I didn’t wait to get my ticket for their concert in Trondheim. Actually, I was quite surprised that it took a few weeks to sell out the show! I had expected a few hours, if not minutes …

The concert was fun, but not as energetic and enthusiastic as I had hoped for. I guess that was partly due to the audience being pretty quiet and laid-back – that kind of made sense considering the show wasn’t sold out right away, so there weren’t only the “hardcore fans” there. But it was also due to the band. The music and the energy during the songs were great, but in the breaks, we didn’t really get anything but “Do you feel alright?” and “Can you be louder than Bergen???” Not very creative.

Still, a good concert, and in nice company, so it was a really fun night.

22.04.2015 – Marky Ramone’s Blitzkrieg (Blæst)

I had wondered for a while if I should get a ticket for that concert or not. In the middle of the week? Would I find anyone who’d like to come along? Basically a cover band, even though the drummer is a REAL Ramone? Would it be any fun?

But then I decided that I definitely didn’t want to miss out on that concert, because: Ramones. I mean, R.A.M.O.N.E.S! At least as close as you can get to a Ramones concert nowadays. I did not find anyone who wanted to come along (shitty taste in music, you Trondheimers!!), but it was a middle-of-the-week concert anyway, so that wasn’t a big deal. What was worse was that the concert started with an hour delay, which meant waiting around first and not being done until after midnight, on a Wednesday …

Still, the concert was awesome! First up were Sugar Louise from Trondheim, and they were a lot of fun. Conveniently, they had brought their own fans, which of course was great to warm up the audience.

Not that the Ramones (short for “Marky Ramone’s Blitzkrieg”, of course 😉 ) would have needed it – people were jumping and hopping and singing and moshing from the first second anyway, and that was just awesome. Great atmosphere! And while I really enjoyed the concert, I gotta say that I was a bit disappointed by the singer – maybe he just meant to be “in character”, but he seemed completely stoned on stage. No idea if he was; I would guess no and that he was just pretending, but come on … I’d rather hear good singing than think I’m at a real Ramones concert. It took me quite a while to figure out what song “Psycho groupie” was … oh, you mean “Psycho therapy”?!

But again, the audience was totally into it, and that was what made the concert so much fun. And of course hearing all the old songs, and pretending I was at a real Ramones concert. 😉

30.04.2015 – Cloroform (Blæst)

And finally: Cloroform! I’ve seen them before of course, so I knew what I was into. And for that concert, I did not hesitate with getting my ticket! I was quite shocked though when I got an email about three weeks before the show that went out to everyone who had gotten tickets already, to inform them that they had reduced the ticket price and we would get some money back. That of course wasn’t what shocked me, and the fact that all ticket buyers were on the TO: list instead of the BCC: list shocked me only slightly compared to the fact that there were exactly NINE addresses on the list. 😮

Gosh, would it really be all empty?! It pretty much looked like it when I arrived, and it only filled up slightly during the support band. I started expecting the worst, but it got much better until Cloroform came on stage!

I was a bit skeptical during the first songs – wow, this was really weird. I remembered the last concerts as much more fun and much less strange … at least after the first few songs. And exactly the same happened again. Cloroform needed a few songs to warm up, but then they really got going and the concert turned out amazing. Not much movement in the crowd, unfortunately, but it was obvious that people enjoyed themselves. An awesome concert, with all the good old songs I know and like. And I only know and like two or three albums, to be honest, so they picked just the right ones! 🙂

So now there aren’t really any concerts on my list until summer – and I still haven’t picked my festivals yet. There will be two in Germany for sure, but I’m quite undecided about festivals in Norway yet. Steinkjer might be an option, and then maybe one or two where Skambankt are playing … maybe Brønnøysund? Hmm, I think I should start planning soon! 🙂

18.10.2014 Skambankt (Folken, Stavanger)

Sunday, October 19th, 2014

To right away answer yesterday’s question if Skambankt could top the concert once more: Hell yeah!

Although I have to say I’m not sure Skambankt had so much to do with this … they played another awesome concert, but it felt even better because of the audience. A sold-out Folken, filled with fans! The atmosphere was awesome, and at least in the front, everybody was moving. As always, I was standing at the side (I’m just too old for the middle *g*), and even there, people were dancing and jumping, hands in the air. But in a very nice way, and everyone was enjoying the concert. Way less mobiles than yesterday, no elbows in the side, no angry or bored faces. But lots of fans that knew every song, were singing along and were focussed on the concert. I loved it!! =:-D

The setlist differed a bit from the last few concerts. Slukk meg was back (yay!!), but both Desertør and Panzersjokk were gone (boooh!). And the order was changed a bit – probably to move Me sa nei and the guest performance by Anders further out in the set. And that worked even better than yesterday! Anders had adopted the Skambankt dress code, he played the verses all alone, and he did so well that Panzer turned up his amp in the middle of the song, before Terje started the Wall of Death. =;-) And Anders already picked up how to be a rockstar. He didn’t flinch when he was drowned in beer, and before he went off stage, he threw his plek into the audience.

But he wasn’t the only “rockstar to be”. There was a boy in the front, sitting on the railing, celebrating every song (and posing for every camera *g*). Before Skambankt played Alarm, they took him up on stage, introduced him to the audience, and had him count in – which he managed perfectly. And how to get back? Well, really easy. Backliner Kjetil picked him up and threw him back into the audience. Yes, THREW. Of course the audience caught him and carried him on their hands; it did look a bit scary though. At least it must have been for his dad who was stuck in the front row. =;-)

There was quite a bit of talk again, much more than in Trondheim, but not much that I remember. In the beginning, Terje pointed out that it would be “jævlig lenge” until they would do a real tour again (nooooo!). Then, before Bak låste dører, he explained that this song was for their old drummer. “He’s not with us anymore …” Shocked faces in the audience. “Uuh, I mean he’s alive! He’s just not with us on stage …”

Obviously, Skambankt didn’t want the concert to end and dragged it out before the last song Stormkast, but still we got only two encores … *pff* Anonyme hatere with lots of middle fingers, and then Min eliksir, where everyone was supposed to get moving once more. Well, if only there was a way to move to that song … *sigh*

Still, it was an awesome ending to an even better concert. It’s cool to see how Skambankt manage to top their concerts again and again … This was amazing. So let’s hope they break their promise to not tour again any time soon!

The setlist:

  • Kald kald natt
  • Skambankt
  • O dessverre
  • Dynasti
  • Slukk meg for eg brenner
  • Som en sirene
  • Voodoo
  • Bak låste dører
  • Vår bør
  • Me sa nei
  • Malin
  • Alarm
  • Mantra
  • Stormkast #1
    ——–
  • Anonyme hatere
  • Min eliksir

17.10.2014 Skambankt (Folken, Stavanger)

Saturday, October 18th, 2014

It’s definitely awesome to be able to walk to concerts – and even to concerts of Norwegian bands! But … you didn’t really expect me to stop traveling to concerts now, or did you? =;-)

Two Skambankt concerts on one weekend, Friday and Saturday, in Stavanger, with decent hotel prices and affordable flights – what else could you possibly want? Said and done and booked. Finally time for another concert weekend!

As expected, the Friday concert wasn’t sold out. It was added as extra concert after the Saturday concert had been sold out, and such shows tend to be a bit calmer than the “real” concerts. Still, the audience was so much into the show right away! No comparison to Trondheim … singing, dancing, shouting from the second song (Kald kald natt as opener was also received well, but there’s not much the audience can “do” there). So it was clear right from the beginning that this would be a great show with an awesome atmosphere, and that’s just how it turned out!

However, I was really amused by some people in the audience, I gotta admit. That girl in front of me who had obviously been dragged along by her boyfriend – and who spent at least three full songs taking selfies!! One after the other … *argh* Or the girl who suddenly turned up next to me during Voodoo, dancing real hippie-ish and calmly – I mean, she obviously had a lot of fun and I love to see people getting so captured by a concert that they are fully lost in the music and forget everything around them … but when she continued dancing that way during the beginning of Alarm, I couldn’t stop myself from grinning and shaking my head. =;-)

A big thumbs-up to the security that did NOT stop people from having fun this time, like they did the last few times in Trondheim … And a big WTF?!? to all those people who pushed their way to the front just to complain to the security about the big bad guys that were in the crowd dancing and having fun. *rolleyes* Guys, you are at a rock concert. If you don’t like getting pushed, move over to the side, it’s that easy …

But back to the concert. There was much more talk than in Trondheim, but I’m not sure how much I remember …

An awesome thing was of course when Skambankt took the guy who won the guitar competition up on stage so he could play with them on Me sa nei. Okay, maybe Terje should have introduced him as Anders and not as Magnus, but well … alle har me gjort vår del av feil, ikke sant? =;-) Anders played really well, he even got to do the solo in the end, and he managed the “rock” part as well. Awesome! Skambankt definitely picked the right winner there.

Just like they picked the right girl to come up on stage and count in during Alarm! She looked a bit confused in the beginning and didn’t seem to know why she suddenly ended up on stage, but she did a good job and had fun on stage during the remainder of the song.

Terje was glad to talk some English on stage because of some Germans that had traveled to Stavanger for the concerts – “det er ikke ofte me får snakke engelsk på scenen!” Hans-Egil was in “top form” today – “uh, which of course doesn’t mean that you, Tollak or Børge, are not in top form, just that …. uh …” *lol* At some point in time, Terje pointed out the kids on the balcony and stated that now it’s their turn to make music – confused faces in the audience, short cheering and then doubtful looks on the balcony … “Uuh. Are you wondering what I wanted to say here? Actually, I am as well …” *g* But then he did explain that those were the kids from Anders’ school. And finally we got to choose the last song of the encores: either Min eliksir or Panzersjokk. “And if you don’t know either of them, go for the cooler name. So do you want Min eliksir or PANZERSJOKK!!!?” The audience voted wrong, but Skambankt decided right and played Panzersjokk anyway. *yay*

A really fun concert – let’s see if they can top it tomorrow!

The setlist:

  • Kald kald natt
  • Skambankt
  • O dessverre
  • Me sa nei
  • Dynasti
  • Desertør
  • Bak låste dører
  • Voodoo
  • Alarm
  • Vår bør
  • Som en sirene
  • Malin
  • Mantra
  • Stormkast #1
    ——–
  • Anonyme hatere
  • Panzersjokk

10.10.2014 Skambankt (Byscenen, Trondheim)

Saturday, October 11th, 2014

I think I can get used to that … vorspiel at home, then half an hour stroll down to the center and Byscenen for the Skambankt concert! =:-D

I was really curious how the concert would turn out. I had seen the setlist of the earlier concerts of the tour, and it looked really … interesting. =;-) Starting out with Kald kald natt? No Slukk meg? But some really old songs back in the set?

Also, the concert was far from sold out, just like the concert in Oslo the day before – no surprise if there’s basically no promotion for the concert and the dates aren’t even announced until just before the tour starts … And if there’s just a few people at a concert, you won’t have a great atmosphere. =:-/

Luckily, it turned out it wasn’t as bad as I had feared. We arrived just before Skambankt were about to go on stage, and Byscenen looked crowded. OK, some parts were tarped off, but the room seemed filled. Yay! The atmosphere turned out to be pretty good – no comparison to Samfundet in March, but people were into the concert, moving, singing along, and randomly being reprimanded by the security for dancing. *rolleyes*

As expected, Skambankt started with Kald kald natt – hmm. Not sure if that works so well. I think it’s just too calm and slow to start off the concert, even though the intro with the choir is pretty cool. What I loved though was using Anonyme hatere as first song of the encores – that worked just perfectly! Better than to start of with that song. And they need to start the concert somehow, so I guess Kald kald natt is as good as any song. =;-)

I just LOVED the old songs they included in the set – Desertør, Alarm, and Bak låste dører. It’s been a while since I last heard them live, and I didn’t even realize I’d missed them. But oh yes, I had!! Even though Alarm is a bit tricky because you have to suddenly turn invisible in the middle of the song to prevent being dragged up on stage to count in. =;-) Seemed like the whole audience managed to do that this time, ’cause they didn’t take up anyone. *g* Terje just started the song up again – catching Børge by surprise, so they had to try again.

I had a little “no, come on, they are NOT doing this” moment after Voodoo when they suddenly started playing something that sounded tremendously like … Født på ny. OK, it turned out to be the Vår bør intro, so I guess my mind was just playing tricks on me, ’cause I’ve never heard the similarity before. Even though it would have been ridiculously funny if they had actually played Født på ny. *g*

There was hardly any talk or any “special” interaction apart from screaming Hey and Oh and singing and counting down from 18, so there’s not much more to report here. Skambankt played a tight concert without breaks and pauses. Great fun, awesome seeing them again, and we all got a good dose of rock!

Here’s the full setlist:

  • Kald kald natt
  • Skambankt
  • O dessverre
  • Me sa nei
  • Dynasti
  • Desertør
  • Bak låste dører
  • Alarm
  • Voodoo
  • Vår bør
  • Sort blod
  • Malin
  • Mantra
    ——–
  • Anonyme hatere
  • Stormkast #1

30.08.2014 Skambankt (Verket, Mo i Rana)

Sunday, August 31st, 2014

The last festival show of the summer – at Verket festival in Mo i Rana! I’ve been there once before, five years ago. After that, I decided that no matter how awesome the line up, Mo i Rana is just TOO far off to go there for a festival … Well, now that I’m based in Trondheim, I can just hop on the train (for six and a half hours …) and I’m there!

So everything was set for the last Skambankt gig of the summer, before the fall tour starts in October. And to jump ahead a bit: Skambankt delivered a great show, but the audience didn’t quite live up to the expectations … Throughout the whole festival, people in the audience weren’t really that interested in what was happening on stage, and even if they were, only the first couple of rows would actually participate in the concert. Everyone else would hold their drink and maybe listen – but more likely, they would be talking or wandering around (bumping into other people). So more of a bygdefest atmosphere than a great music festival, even though the line up was amazing and promised a great experience … which it was, from a musical point of view, but the atmosphere didn’t quite keep up with it.

Skambankt were the next-to-last band on the main stage, before Satyricon on the small stage and Åge & Sambandet as headliner. What a mixture! So it’s probably not really surprising that only the people in the front had any idea what they were in for. And that was obvious throughout the whole show. Usually, when Skambankt start to play Voodoo, a cheer or at least some murmuring goes through the audience after the first few notes. This time: nothing. Having the audience sing the chorus of Mantra? Forget it … Terje wanted to start a Wall of Death in Me sa nei and actually explained very clearly this time what he wanted the audience to do (“Did you understand what I said??”). But well, getting them to draw apart didn’t really work already, and while I couldn’t really see if anything happened when they were supposed to run towards one another, I seriously doubt it. There was some more jumping and “hands in the air” after that, and a few people were shouting “hey” in Tanker som Mareritt, but it was still far from what is normal for Skambankt shows – or even Skambankt festival shows.

Skambankt really tried their best to get the audience to go along. At the end of Voodoo, they improvised a part where the audience would just have to sing “ohohoh” – but no, not even that really worked. It was fun to see though!

And I’m not sure if they just gave up after that or if it was some joke that I didn’t get, but Terje asked which song we would like better – an up-tempo, typical Skambankt song or … “or no, you don’t get an alternative, here is Min Eliksir”! Probably just afraid that the audience might choose the alternative? =;-)

In the end, they were finished ten minutes early, but I understand why they didn’t add another song to the set … =:-/

Here’s the setlist:

  • Anonyme hatere
  • Skambankt
  • O dessverre
  • Mantra
  • Vå bør
  • Som en sirene
  • Me sa nei
  • Dynasti
  • Min eliksir
  • Tanker som mareritt
  • Voodoo
  • Stormkast #1

And to conclude the festival season, Skambankt pulled a special stunt later on and played a song together with Åge & Sambandet, the headliner of the night. From what I heard, that was really awesome and a great experience for both band and audience – but then, I was already on my way back to the hotel and only found out about it afterwards … *grr*

But hey, no reason complaining about a rather uneventful festival show and a missed special performance – let’s instead focus on the upcoming fall tour, which I’m sure will be amazing. Can’t wait! =:-)

29.-30.08.2014 Verket (Mo i Rana, Norway)

Sunday, August 31st, 2014
29.-30.08.2014 – Photos Verket (Mo i Rana, Norway)

Verket 14Verket Festival in Mo i Rana – a small town just a few miles south of the Arctic Circle – took place for the sixth time this year. In 2009, I attended the first ever Verket Festival, which was a great experience. Since then, the festival grew from year to year, both in attendance and in the quality of the line up. Time for me to check it out again and find out what has changed!

My first impression was that not much has changed – the festival grounds were still pretty much the same, except that the second stage has become much bigger, and the artists that play there as well! Also, the festival was sold out this year, which means that the area was more crowded, and access to the bars, toilets, and especially food stands required some queuing. But as long as you didn’t want to get a bite to eat just after the co-head on the main stage was finished, the waiting time was fully acceptable. And all in all, I didn’t feel like it was too crowded; most people were staying on the hill in the back, enjoying the view from there, so that there was lots of space in the area in front of the stages.

Verket 14As I noted in 2009 already, the arrangement of the festival grounds is pretty much perfect: the area is sloping down toward the two stages, so that you can sit or stand up on the hill and see everything. You might not even have to move between the two stages; just turn around a bit! The concession stands are located up on the hill, close to the entry and a bit away from the stages (except for one bar to the side, right between the two stages). The only disadvantage this might cause is that lots of people just remain up by the stands throughout the whole evening, while there’s just a few spectators down by the stages. But then, if people aren’t interested in the music, they might as well just stand in the very back. 😉

Still, in my opinion, the most important part of a festival is the music! And the line-up this year was just perfect; lots of well-known Norwegian artists, all in one place. The “big names” for me were Morten Harket and Seigmen on Friday and Bernhoft and Skambankt on Saturday, but also Silya, Veronica Maggio, Satyricon, and Åge & Sambandet were clearly drawing people to the festival. Verket really managed to book a wide variety of artists – and as the festival was sold out, they obviously got something for everybody!

Friday, August 29

Verket 14The first festival day held quite a few surprises for me. I had heard most of the names on the line up before, but I hadn’t seen any of them live yet. And it turned out that I was positively surprised by almost all of them!

Morten Harket as first artist of the night was probably the one that held the least surprises for me. He delivered a very professional and captivating concert – just as I had expected. The sound was terrific, and both music and singing were perfect. Plus, he knows how to play to an audience! I was surprised that he was booked as the first artist of the festival; but in hindsight, that was a pretty smart move to get people to come out to the festival early. It worked; the festival grounds were already filled when Morten Harket came out. However, what surprised me was that most people were hanging out in the back and didn’t really care about the concert. When asked to clap along, only very few people in the front joined in, everybody else just ignored it … Still, a really nice opening concert.

Next up were Hjerteslag on the smaller stage. I hadn’t heard of them, but the host Asbjørn Slettemark introduced them as the “new big thing”, who played a fantastic gig at by:Larm (for the few who were lucky enough to get in). Verket 14And: true! That was pretty awesome. Melodic punk (or punky pop?) with Norwegian lyrics, songs that were easy to pick up, and quite some energy on stage. I had the feeling that they still need to work a bit on their live show though; it got better and better throughout the concert, but it didn’t feel quite natural yet, and they didn’t seem too comfortable on stage. This of course is a big drawback. But the music and the songs were great, so Hjerteslag is definitely a band to remember!

The next big surprise awaited me on the main stage right afterwards. I’ve been living in Norway for only a month, so I had no idea who Silya is … “Stjernekamp” sounds a lot like Star Search or Idol to me, so I expected some nice and pretty pop star. Silya, however, came out to a huge production with full band including a brass section, all in costume, and delivered a full show, not just a concert. Her songs were cover songs presented in her own style and fashion, and of course, she managed to capture the audience right away. For me personally, it all seemed like a big show and not so much like a whole-hearted performance, but it was definitely entertaining, and much more fun than what I had expected. And the audience seemed to really wake up for the first time that night; which of course is understandable when everybody knows all the songs.

Verket 14Deathcrush were the next band on the second stage, and they didn’t really get the attention they would have deserved. Two girls on guitar and bass, one drummer, all singing – or rather screaming? Lots of energy on stage, and definitely the “punkiest” band of the night. But people were more busy drinking and talking, and hardly anybody gathered in front of the small stage, which was quite a pity.

I had expected it to get much more crowded in front of the stage for the Seigmen concert, but actually it didn’t fill up much more than for the other concerts; except for the first few rows of course. Still, Seigmen delivered a fantastic show! I’ve known them for quite a while, but never managed to see them live, so they managed to surprise me completely. Judging by their music, I had expected them to be really distant, hardly talk to the audience, and play their songs without much interaction, captivating the audience by their presence alone. However, they were quite talkative on stage, not offish at all, but really nice guys. They kept pointing out how nice the festival was, and how sorry they are they haven’t been up in Mo i Rana for so long. Of course the old hits were the ones that the audience was waiting for, and the atmosphere was awesome, but Seigmen also played some new stuff. And while – again – there were less people actually interested in the concert than I had expected, those that were following along with what was happening on stage were really entertained, and for me, the concert was definitely the best one of the night!

Verket 14I’m not quite sure why Seigmen were not the headliner of the evening – for me, they definitely were! So the two remaining bands, Team Me on the small stage and Veronica Maggio had a rather hard time really capturing my attention. Both surprised me – Team Me played a really energetic rock show and Veronica Maggio’s concert was so much more varied than I had expected. And I think that I would have loved both their concerts if they had taken place earlier in the night; but by that time, it had turned quite cold and 99% of the audience were completely drunk, so that made it hard to really get into the concerts. A pity, but still a big thumbs up for great shows!

For me, the only drawback of the first festival day was the crowd. I had the feeling that hardly anybody was there for the music – which is common at Norwegian festivals. But if the line up is so amazing as at Verket, you should at least try to check out some of the concerts?! But no, either people were keeping all to the back without cheering, clapping, or even listening to what was going on at all, or they were completely drunk already at 5:30 pm and couldn’t manage to stand upright, let alone walk without bumping into someone. I’ve seen quite a few Norwegian festivals, but this seemed worse than usual. They don’t even know what great concerts they missed …

Saturday, August 30: Underverket

Verket 14The Saturday started with a special concert for those under 18: Underverket. In bright sunshine, families picnicked out on the hill, while their teenage daughters gathered in front of the stage to see Isac Elliot, a teeny star from Finland. Verket festival had announced beforehand that no queuing would be allowed before 8 a.m. (!) – that gives an impression of how crazy the kids were for that concert!

And yes, crazy is probably the right word for it; but in a positive way! I almost gave up on the idea to get to the front to take some photos – it was just impossible to get through, so many kids were crowded in in front of the stage. And everyone was really excited, singing along every single word. The securities were busy throughout the whole concert, but they knew their job and kept everyone safe. The only crying was obviously caused by the guy on stage. 😉

Verket 14He actually took up one girl to give her a hug, and she was fully in a daze afterwards. And when he went down in the aisle to greet the first rows, all the kids went completely crazy.

So, adults – I don’t expect the same maniac behavior, but maybe a bit of excitement and enthusiasm for the artists wouldn’t hurt. The kids really made this concert special, and I’m sure they won’t forget it any time soon!

Saturday, August 30

Verket 14The main festival day started a few hours later, still in bright sunshine. The festival weather really couldn’t have been much better! While it was still a bit cloudy the first day, we got blue skies and sun until it got dark on Saturday. Both days it got quite chilly at night, but that was to be expected so far north. And no rain, yay!

I missed the opener AWAY and arrived during Ane Brun‘s concert. She delivered a nice and calm opening concert – nice and relaxing, but maybe a bit too slow to really capture the audience. Again, the festival filled up nicely already, even though it was still early in the evening, but people were gathering in the back and enjoying the sun on the hill.

All in all, it looked like the audience was a bit older than on Friday. Just like the day before, the line up offered a lot of variation, but Åge & Sambandet obviously attracted people of all ages, which gave a nice mixture. And unlike on Friday, the audience seemed a bit more interested in the music. Still far from enthusiastic (except for the headliner 😉 ), but at least listening and applauding.

Verket 14Next up was Kaveh, a rapper from Oslo, on the smaller stage. His target audience was clearly the younger generation, which had gathered in front of the stage. Unlike usually, Kaveh had to perform all alone, because his DJ had missed his flight. That’s the problem with festivals so far out; there’s no “next flight” that would still get you there in time. 😉 Still, he managed just fine, and after a few songs and what looked like quite hard work to get the audience excited, he managed to get them to go along. Only the first couple of rows, but those were really into the concert then, and it was fun to see how they loved the show. And when in the end, Kaveh asked some people to get up on the stage with him, he had obviously won. Hard work, but a great show!

I’ve seen Jarle Bernhoft quite a few times, mostly as “one man band” as support for Kaizers Orchestra, but also with his festival show with a full band. I enjoyed the single shows much more, so I was really pleased when I saw that this festival show would be only Bernhoft, alone with all his machines. His songs are really captivating, and seeing him piece them together by recording sounds and loops, one after the other, until he “simulates” a full band is just awesome. And it seemed like the audience was really appreciating this! It got quite crowded in the front, and people were dancing and singing along. It was a bit of a pity though that he didn’t use his full time slot but stopped 20 minutes early.

Verket 14Montée had a really hard time following that on the small stage – especially since they were still in the middle of their soundcheck when Bernhoft was done and thus couldn’t continue right away. Still, when they started, there were quite a few people in front of the stage. My first impression was that their music, danceable rock, and the songs were really nice and catchy, but that nothing was happening on stage – which is always a bit of a problem, especially for bands that are not widely known and don’t have huge hits. And just as feared: People stayed for the first two, three songs and then started wandering off in search for food, drinks, and toilets. Where there were huge queues at that time … and Montée played for hardly anyone.

That’s a problem that Skambankt did not have; people were back in place in front of the main stage when Skambankt came on. They delivered a really good rock show – read my full report about their concert on skambankt.konzertjunkie.com – but it was obvious that everyone except for the first couple of rows in the front was waiting for Åge. They did clap a bit, but that was about it. They didn’t seem to understand what a Wall of Death was supposed to be, they didn’t sing along (not even “ohohoh” parts), and they didn’t really get excited. However, full props to Skambankt for delivering a really energetic show anyway!

Verket 14Skambankt were followed by another great live band on the small stage: Satyricon. However, like Skambankt, their target audience did not necessarily comply with Åge’s target audience … They did gather quite a crowd and everyone in front of the stage was really enthusiastic and into the show. They were held back a bit by the securities whenever the moshing got too wild; something that did not sit well with the band. So they allowed the audience to do whatever they wanted and ignore the guys with the flashlights. 😉 And when the singer mentioned that his dad had actually worked at “Verket” – the factory above the festival area – and that he’s here now to work at Verket as well (just in a slightly different manner), he had finally won over the audience! At least the small faction of the audience that was into the concert at the small stage and not just waiting for Åge … Everyone else got more and more annoyed as Satyricon continued their concert. And continued their concert. And continued, and continued, way past their allowed time slot. The stage managers were very clear in their messages to the band – but they did not cut the electricity. So Satyricon continued 17 minutes past Åge’s start time, and while they were still on stage waving their good-byes, the announcer already called the audience to the big stage.

Verket 14The atmosphere during the concert of Åge & Sambandet was then really really special. A HUGE crowd in the front (it did actually look a bit like Underverket! 😮 ), a very mixed audience of all ages, and everyone excited and singing along every word. Add to that a well attuned band on stage that does not only stare at their shoes but delivers a show as well, and songs that everyone in the audience knows. That’s the kind of atmosphere that I was waiting for the whole festival!

But then, the part that “everyone in the audience” knew the songs was not quite true, because there was one girl from Germany that did not know any of the songs, was cold, and had a train to catch at seven in the morning, so she decided to skip the second hour of Åge’s show and get on her way back to the hotel … and thus she missed it when Åge & Sambandet turned into Åge & Skambandet and Skambankt came up on stage to play in one of the songs. *argh* Sounds like an awesome mixture, and a great way to end the festival – and since Verket is one of the last Norwegian festivals, also the festival season for most bands!

Verket 14All in all, Verket was a really great festival with an amazing line up of bands and some really good and entertaining concerts. I noticed a few good bands that I will check out further and keep track of what they are doing – mostly Hjerteslag, but also Deathcrush, Kaveh, and Montée. The festival itself is organized very well; you’ll always have some queues, and if you got your food, drink, or toilet break at the right time, you hardly had to wait at all. At other times, it was really bad though, but that’s impossible to prevent. The area is perfect for a festival of this size, and it’s just a fifteen minute walk away from the center of the town.

The festival is clearly aimed at locals, as Mo i Rana is quite difficult to get to. That makes it really impressive to see that the festival was actually sold out! That means that the locals are coming and supporting the festival! While this itself is a really good thing, I got the impression of “bygdefest” quite often – and that was a pity considering the awesome line up and the quality of the bands playing there. If everyone is there to see just one band and get drunk otherwise, it would maybe be sufficient to hire just that one band and not frustrate any other bands that hardly anybody cares about … But who knows. Maybe I’m mistaken and some people in the audience did actually discover new, interesting music. Because in my opinion, THIS is the main purpose of a festival, and getting wasted is just a fun side effect. 😉

Verket 14

15.08.2014 Skambankt (Pstereo, Trondheim)

Saturday, August 16th, 2014
15.08.2014 – Photos Skambankt (Pstereo, Trondheim)

Festival concerts just aren’t the same as “real” concerts. That’s why I didn’t really expect anything when going down to Pstereo festival tonight. On the program: Stein Torleif Bjella, Skambankt, St. Vincent, and Biffy Clyro. A very … hmm, let’s call it interesting mixture. =;-)

Skambankt’s last club show in Trondheim was absolutely awesome, but then, this was a festival. And even though the festival grounds were filled pretty nicely when Skambankt started, it didn’t seem like there were so many people in the audience that knew Skambankt and were looking forward to their show.

Except for a few guys in the front that were starting a mosh pit during the first couple of songs already! =:-o Wow, didn’t expect that. And neither did the security, obviously. One security guy actually jumped over the railing, made his way to the mosh pit, and told people to calm down. SERIOUSLY! I mean, I’m used to German festivals, which are a LOT wilder than Norwegian ones. And then, when someone actually moves a little, the security stops it?!

Well, they only managed to stop it until “Me sa nei” – as always, Skambankt wanted to see a Wall of Death during that song, and they got it. And after that, the security did not try to stop the mosh pit anymore. =;-) And it got wilder and wilder throughout the show, just calming down a bit for the slower songs, culminating with the last song “Stormkast #1”.

I know I’ve been criticizing the Wall of Death – and I still hate it, but that’s based on German festivals. I can see now why Skambankt are doing that … it really helps get the crowd into the concert, and it seems to work perfectly well. So thumbs up!

And as the crowd got more and more into it without much more initiative from stage, there was no “hey” part in “Dynasti” this time. But we got to sing the “Mantra” chorus! And at the very end, there was a bit of back and forth between band and audience again. Really nice. And I was very amused when Ted came back on stage after the drum solo, back to the crowd, leaned back and spat water into the air. Not sure if he stole that from Hellraizer or HHH. =;-)

Some time during the concert, Skambankt announced they would be back in Trondheim in October, then at Byscenen – where it is actually dark, so that the lighting guy can do his magic and doesn’t have to sit there with sunglasses on. *g* Yay!
Looking forward to that already. ‘Cause even though this festival show was really great, the next club show will be even better, I’m sure!

Here’s the setlist:

  • Anonyme hatere
  • Skambankt
  • O dessverre
  • Vår bør
  • Som en sirene
  • Me sa nei
  • Dynasti
  • Min eliksir
  • Tanker som mareritt
  • Voodoo
  • Mantra
  • Stormkast #1