Suuuuuupersoooooniiiiiic.

Just returned from what might have been this summer’s best weekend. Friday morning I found myself in Birmingham, checking in at a cosy hostel and doing my best to stay awake after a night of binge but no sleep. 3pm I was in the Custard Factory, still trying to keep my eyes open, even after a short yet intense nap. Alas! Had to set up a few things and make sure everything runs smoothly in the backstage and mind you, while it can be fun meeting the artists and whatnot, sometimes it does get awkward and pretty tiresome. I’ll blame it on my inability to take decisions.

Friday night was a rather chill one, although almost all the bands on both stages were rather, hm, say brutal. It might as well be me getting old and pretentious, but I found Cutting Pink with Knives and RoloTomassi hard to bear, and while they did blow me away at times, I know it is a music I’ll steer clear of in the future (or maybe i’m not getting all that old, seeing as I still love Queen Andreena).

Dalek was, unsurprisingly, amazing. The well deserved breath of fresh air, for punk rock or whatever the uber cool kids call it these days can easily asphyxiate one. Unfortunately, I had to skip Dj/Rupture feat. Jah Dan Blakkamoore, even though they did sound a bit like Tricky when they were doing soundchecks. My dire need of sleep took over my desperate passion for music, which is indeed regretful.

Saturday morning i woke up and decided to give Birmingham a second chance (it was the second time to be in the city and the second time to hate it), which was the right thing to do. I went to a couple of museums and bought a few things (sales>life), had lunch in one of the many rain breaks and headed back.

My night started with Alexander Tucker; i never knew he had something in common with Guapo and seeing the same keyboardist on stage was a big and pleasant surprise (then again, i’m a sucker for that band). Unfortunately, it was only a 45 min set, and I was left craving for more – lucky those who are going to see him opening for Bohren and der Club of Gore (while I’m going to see Guapo for the third time). Next up i managed to catch a bit of The Owl Service, some nice and relaxing folk that made me want to listen some Espers (which I will surely do, if not tonight then tomorrow or who knows when).

Talking about Guapo, they were, if need be written, pretty nifty. Obviously, being a festival they only played for 45 minutes but my god were they intense.

I find it irrelevant writing about how wonderful Efterklang can be live. Absolutely no feeling can compare to hearing and seeing them performing Caravan – butterflies would have roamed free in my stomach, but I had too much to eat that night. I got a poster that the band signed for me and which now beautifully decorates my wall. Can one wish for more?

The answer is probably yes.

yes, yes, yes. Battles. Even if I wanted to write about how that was, I’d probably stumble. All I have to say is that they’re twice as much fun live, and they kept reminding me of The Mars Volta, for some strange reason. Maybe because both are among the bands you’d recognize from a million other, or maybe they transpired a really weird yet wicked energy. Heard a couple of new and extremely experimental songs and danced (or something) to the ones I already knew, while I was thinking damn, this band does not leave you one single minute to catch your breath. Who needs that anyway.

Harvey Milk rocked even if I was so tired and so not in the mood for sludge metal. Had to headbang and sing along. Really great band, wish i could see them again in the future.

On Sunday I saw Max Tundra, a bit of ASVA, Earth and Red Sparrowes live and, even though Earth is one of my favourite bands ever, I have to say the latter almost made me cry. I’ve seen quite a few bands live (especially as of late), but nothing can ever compare to Red Sparrowes. Think EiTS are profound? Think again and go see RS while you can.

Earth was all about the atmosphere, as people were lying on the floor, with their eyes closed etc etc etc. It is almost impossible to open your eyes and still hear them. Maybe it’s that kind of music that needs to be felt, not seen. It definitely is for me.

Moreover, I saw Nosferatu with live soundtrack which was an experience I won’t forget too soon. Films = life.

Had to come back the same night and it took me 5 hours to do so. Layovers in London are something I do not wish for anyone, especially if it’s night and you’re in f-ing Victoria station and there’s nobody around to guide you. When i got back however the driver was extremely nice as she stayed with me by the cemetery waiting for my friend to come and pick me up. Gotta love women.

All in all, it was an amazing weekend. Hanging out with all sorts of people from all sorts of places is really interesting and mind opening, but I did miss what I now call home. Or maybe just being alone in my room, with a glass of sweet white wine and a good book and some quiet, almost inexistent music.

My next stop is going to be in Paris next week, where I’ll meet my Tom Waits. Whenever I think about it I find myself unable to sleep so expect some updates.

ps.

I apologize for everything that does not sound quite right in this post. I’m too lazy to read again and i have a family to entertain.

Oh, and for those who think I’m too important to write in Romanian now — my other blog is down.