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In Gowan Ring, Sieben, Faun
October 12 2007, Tivoli De Helling, Utrechtby O.S. & D.M.K.
All photographs by O.S. & Joost / Evening of Light
We had been looking forward to this fall's concert of In Gowan Ring and Sieben for a long time, two bands who've made quite a name for themselves within the area of alternative folk. We were less familiar with Faun, and were slightly disappointed to find out that the former bands were playing as support acts, while they are in our view highly original and talented musicians, and well known internationally. The "Pagan Folk Night" took place in Tivoli de Helling, a fine location at a walking distance from the city centre, with enough space for all visitors.
In Gowan Ring had the honour of opening the evening, and we were not disappointed! B'eirth was supported by several musicians from Faun, who played harmonium, flute, harp, backing vocals and percussion, while B'ee of course sang, played harmonica, and presented his brand new homemade pear-shaped guitar. A nice addition that made the songs sound as rich as the studio recordings. In Gowan Ring opened with "Cipher's String on the Tree in the Dream of the Queen", a long track that's certainly not boring, especially when played live with such an ear paid to detail. Also the short "Dandelion Wine" benefited greatly from the extra musicians, who gave it a full sound that isn't always attained on the album versions. "Morning's Waking Dream" is apparently a favourite live track of B'ee's, and is always nice to hear. "Hazel Steps" was a pleasant surprise, and this subtle, dreamy dance song was played with conviction. Nevertheless, the audience didn't get footloose, perhaps because many of them didn't know how to without more rhythmic violence? The closing track was the even more danceable "Song of Pan", an adapted cover of a Changes track, where B'ee again shows he's a expert guitar player. But, also here the audience was rather subdued; apparently, In Gowan Ring is too unknown or calm to convince others? We loved it in any case, and it's a pity that it was already over after five tracks.
After a short break, it was time for Sieben. Matt Howden performed solo, as he does often, where he forms a true one man band, using his violin and loop pedal. By building up rhythmic and melodic loops on violin, full songs gradually come into being, over which his amazing voice then sounds. The gig started with "Love Must Wax Cold", the second track off High Broad Field. After this, we heard "Peterson's Seat", one of the older Sieben tracks. But, as was announced, this was also the presentation of Matt's latest album, Desire Rites. Two new tracks ("Rite of Amends" and "Desire Rite") were played, and certainly didn't disappoint. But, here as well the help of the Faun musicians was called upon. During the closing track, "Ogham the Sun" the stage was filled once again, and the result was excellent: a very rich sound made for a wonderful version of an already strong track. All in all, Matt Howden leaves a great impression both solo and with guest musicians.
Headliner of the evening was Faun, who also seemed to be the majority of the audience's favourite. The band plays a popular form of mediaeval-inspired music on traditional instruments such as hurdy-gurdy, harp, flute, etc. Also the percussion was well taken care of, with different kinds of drums and apparel. Besides that, the vocals were done by the two ladies of the band. Sadly, we were not really impressed by the band. Somewhere we feel that Faun isn't really able to distinguish themselves from other acts in this typically German style of mediaeval music, and while this style is immensely popular among the young gothic/fantasy audience, it didn't appeal to us that much. A very strong redeeming factor was the fact that Matt Howden came back on stage to play the brilliant "Love's Promise" with the entire band.
All the same, one could feel a clear division in the audience this night. The first two gigs were mostly interesting to people from the alternative (neo)folk area, while these people were less interested in Faun and vice versa. Here and there, this meant that it was possible during the first two shows to be standing among people who were constantly criticising the music, which was very irritating. In our opinion, it was a bit of a mistake in the programming or tour composition, even though the bands supported each other very nicely, and the Faun musicians really added something to Matt and B'ee's shows. Luckily, there must have been some people, like our fellow staff member Joost, who enjoyed all three bands. For them, this evening must have been a total success, because all three shows were excellent.
In Gowan Ring had the honour of opening the evening, and we were not disappointed! B'eirth was supported by several musicians from Faun, who played harmonium, flute, harp, backing vocals and percussion, while B'ee of course sang, played harmonica, and presented his brand new homemade pear-shaped guitar. A nice addition that made the songs sound as rich as the studio recordings. In Gowan Ring opened with "Cipher's String on the Tree in the Dream of the Queen", a long track that's certainly not boring, especially when played live with such an ear paid to detail. Also the short "Dandelion Wine" benefited greatly from the extra musicians, who gave it a full sound that isn't always attained on the album versions. "Morning's Waking Dream" is apparently a favourite live track of B'ee's, and is always nice to hear. "Hazel Steps" was a pleasant surprise, and this subtle, dreamy dance song was played with conviction. Nevertheless, the audience didn't get footloose, perhaps because many of them didn't know how to without more rhythmic violence? The closing track was the even more danceable "Song of Pan", an adapted cover of a Changes track, where B'ee again shows he's a expert guitar player. But, also here the audience was rather subdued; apparently, In Gowan Ring is too unknown or calm to convince others? We loved it in any case, and it's a pity that it was already over after five tracks.
After a short break, it was time for Sieben. Matt Howden performed solo, as he does often, where he forms a true one man band, using his violin and loop pedal. By building up rhythmic and melodic loops on violin, full songs gradually come into being, over which his amazing voice then sounds. The gig started with "Love Must Wax Cold", the second track off High Broad Field. After this, we heard "Peterson's Seat", one of the older Sieben tracks. But, as was announced, this was also the presentation of Matt's latest album, Desire Rites. Two new tracks ("Rite of Amends" and "Desire Rite") were played, and certainly didn't disappoint. But, here as well the help of the Faun musicians was called upon. During the closing track, "Ogham the Sun" the stage was filled once again, and the result was excellent: a very rich sound made for a wonderful version of an already strong track. All in all, Matt Howden leaves a great impression both solo and with guest musicians.
Headliner of the evening was Faun, who also seemed to be the majority of the audience's favourite. The band plays a popular form of mediaeval-inspired music on traditional instruments such as hurdy-gurdy, harp, flute, etc. Also the percussion was well taken care of, with different kinds of drums and apparel. Besides that, the vocals were done by the two ladies of the band. Sadly, we were not really impressed by the band. Somewhere we feel that Faun isn't really able to distinguish themselves from other acts in this typically German style of mediaeval music, and while this style is immensely popular among the young gothic/fantasy audience, it didn't appeal to us that much. A very strong redeeming factor was the fact that Matt Howden came back on stage to play the brilliant "Love's Promise" with the entire band.All the same, one could feel a clear division in the audience this night. The first two gigs were mostly interesting to people from the alternative (neo)folk area, while these people were less interested in Faun and vice versa. Here and there, this meant that it was possible during the first two shows to be standing among people who were constantly criticising the music, which was very irritating. In our opinion, it was a bit of a mistake in the programming or tour composition, even though the bands supported each other very nicely, and the Faun musicians really added something to Matt and B'ee's shows. Luckily, there must have been some people, like our fellow staff member Joost, who enjoyed all three bands. For them, this evening must have been a total success, because all three shows were excellent.
 
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| Or view all pictures on Flickr: here. |
Related Articles:
- article overview: Matt Howden & Sieben
- oeuvre overview: B'eirth (In Gowan Ring, Birch Book)
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