[BRT] There is no other band like NEUROSIS. If they call their fans to the stage, all kind of friends from here and there, from the past and the present, willingly obey. It makes clear how important NEUROSIS still are, even if the last records do not trigger the bludgeoning pulse anymore as albums such as Souls At Zero, Enemy Of The Sun and Times Of Grace did back then. Not every show of the Californian Gentlemen is exceptional but expectations are always high. NEUROSIS started where other bands never will get to. So, the bar is raised high.
[Dajana] Oh, do not forget The Eye Of Every Storm, which is another breathtaking album, one of their best. And fucking hell… yes, seven years has passed since my (and everybody else from this latitude) last NEUROSIS show. It is been way too long. From this point of view, it does not wonder that so many people from every corner made its way to the :: Zeche Bochum ::. Although it was the only German show, the Zeche was packed but not sold out. Probably too many festivals around…
:: pics :: DEAF KIDS ::
[BRT] The evening was kicked off by Brazilian trio :: DEAF KIDS ::, who meanwhile get traded as Brazilians most important music export. Once seen live they were immediately signed to Neurosis’ own label Neurot Recordings and taken on the bill of this European tour. The trio plays a crazy mixture of experimental Grind-Noise-Krautrock-Punk with danceable groove. Vocals are hardly to understand. There are actually only screams rushed through umpteen effects and reverbs, pulsing and shrouding the mesmerizing songs. But how did it sound now? Hm, I like the idea to imagine Amon Düül on speed and cocaine. It is bizarre but not as absurd as it may sound. Awesome and unique!
[Dajana] I was really intrigued to see the DEAF KIDS. For quite some time now they haunt through the spheres and shoptalks of music connoisseurs, strongly recommended by them. From what I got told I expected a wilder and more raving and noisy sound, you know, that kind that nails you on the back wall. It was not like that. The music was rather hypnotic and somewhat cathartic. It was only a half hour of noise, but a great one. I liked them, and so did Neurosis bass player Dave Edwardson, who stood next to me and was rocking out ;) I need to indulge in DEAF KIDS latest album Configuração do Lamento…
:: pics :: NEUROSIS ::
[BRT] There was a breather needed right after and then we got into an experience that is hardly to wrap into words. The level of intensity those guys convey musically is beyond everything. :: NEUROSIS :: live their music as hardly any other band does and so is the band chemistry and musicianship - a unique collective on stage. The band played a set across the entire history (unfortunately not considering Souls At Zero and Enemy Of The Sun, but with three songs from the most recent album Fires Within Fires), with hardly anything left to be desired. Especially, when you get songs from Through Silver In Blood, Times Of Grace and the Souvereign EP.
As usual, there was no banter, no ingratiation and the visuals are long gone. NEUROSIS just played 90 minutes straight yet in a majestic manner. A great light show (light? What lights? – Dajana) and a great sound was provided, while Steve von Till, Scott Kelly screamed and Dave Edwardson growled their souls out of the body. After one and a half hour the show came to a quite abruptly end, but no one nagged. As for that everybody agreed that this show was absolutely amazing and one of a kind.
[Dajana] I agree and there is actually not that much to add. The setlist was indeed surprising. After the band’s 30th anniversary shows with best-of sets, I would have expected more new and newer songs, not rarely played classics. Anyway, NEUROSIS created a thrilling dramaturgy, forging through a wide range of sound layers and dynamics. I was immediately put into a state of trance. With closed eyes I too willingly let me absorb and let go, drifting into other worlds far beyond.
Said this, NEUROSIS surely work best without or a minimum of lights, but as a photographer… you know. Scott Kelly and Steve von Till performed rather reserved on stage, while Dave and sound-wiz Noah Landis went wild. Watching Noah whirling and twisting his keys worried me. I feared for the first row… ;) The most breathtaking and memorable part of the show was surely the 12 minutes finale Through Silver In Blood with its triple drum inferno that made the crowd freaking out. What a punch line. Deliverance. Stunning! This truly was an evening of awesomeness! Fans were left in awe with a memorable show.
Just a liner note: If you go to a NEUROSIS show, take a lot of money with you and buy your merch IMMEDIATELY! Fans usually clean out the merch in a twinkling of an eye. Before the show. Did I already mention how fucking awesome this show was? ;)
Setlist: Given To The Rising, Bending Light, End Of The Harvest, A Shadow Memory, The Last You'll Know, Burn, An Offering, Reach, Through Silver In Blood
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