Diary of Dreams, Agonised by Love and Cliche live act
First there had been long waiting, then only counting... first days,
then hours... the concert that took place 19th January in Warsaw had
been evoking many emotions as it was then that we were to listen to new
songs of new Diary of Dreams album „Nekrolog43” performed live.
The concert in Warsaw, as the next (though still one of the first) stop on „N43” tour attracted crowds to the club Progresja and, let me say it openly, it was worth coming. Those who complained after the last gig of DoD in Poland (the Castle Party one) that the band hadn't played 'any new songs' were now satisfied.
Still, before the heroes of the evening appeared on the stage two domestic projects - Cliche and Agonised by Love. - played their gigs.
Cliche
We were a bit late for the show of the project (unfortunately the location of the club Progresja was a bit challenging) so when we finally got to the club the concert had already started.
Cliche, formed in 2004, is a one-(wo)man project of de-mo, who is at the moment supported by Nari during live shows. The artistic output of de-mo includes several releases ("Mikstura" (2004) LP, "syntHetyk" (2005) LP, "Self-contained" (2005) EP and "Tired" (2005) EP) that had been inspired by such artists as Mesh, De/Vision, Camouflage, Wolfsheim, Iris, Covenant and Depeche Mode.
Ideologically and scenically Cliche is a project of many contrasts: starting with the image (the vocalist appeared wearing black outfit and white tie whereas the keyboarder – white clothes and black tie, not to mention manicure) through texts and background... there's a lot of self-irony to it, a bit of cynicism and no pose or „a big way” thing whatsoever. Obviously, the show reveals the idea and some kind of pre-prepared stylization, but it's not that much exaggerated and pompous as juxtaposed – like a kinda negative/positive ambivalence...
According to the set of contrasts, what emanated from the stage was self-confidence and balanced emotionality interchanged with scoff and pugnacity, indifference and defiance. However, it was a huge distance – both to herself and her music – and some sort of indifference to the public response that were the first impressions I got (both of mimicry and special glances) of de-mo's show. Highly refreshing feeling.
The songs presented at the concert featured vast amounts of sensuality, vitality and good beat, constructed partly on the basis of warm and yet definite and strong vocal and cold electronic music served by Nari. A bit muffled, systematized melodies sounded – in my opinion – very well.
We could hear, e.g: "F-ear", "Nie pamiętasz mnie", "W stanie nierzeczywistym", "Fast cars", "Niewolnik" and "Locked".
All in all „cliche” seems to be a highly provocative one – the name and means of expression are dubious and suggest a lot of mockery, self-irony and a bit of grotesque too – both in music and in approach to making it as well. The very fact that de-mo describes her philosophy as „copying the original” imposes certain understanding of her music and definitely could be given a label "attention, the music created by the brain that works".
http://www.myspace.com/clicheproject
http://www.de-mo-ralizacja.prv.pl
Agonised by Love
Agonised by Love – Polish project that has been active since 1997, is gradually becoming one of those that „need no further introduction”. Their artistic output includes such releases as e.g. „All Of White Horizons” (2005), Close Behind You EP Ltd (2005) – coherent, presenting good, strong electronic/gothic/pop music while their concerts are always shows of professionalism and vibrating energy.
At the concert in Warsaw ABL really whacked up – masses of smoke, changing lights and harsh, energizing beat hitting from the stage attracted the audience's attention right off the bat: the musicians are so experienced that their confidence, engagement and incredible magnetism are irresistible power that secures success to their every show.
ABL's music is a combination of harsh, somewhat rocky guitars, great rhythm, Bartosz Hervy's freely running, dynamic electronics that bind the whole into a smooth entity and highly emotional, a bit neurotic vocal of Rafał Tomaszczuk, who perfectly co-op-play with the other two members of the band: Wojciech Pawlowski (guitars) and Marcin Szacilowski (keys). Those four gents on stage provide ravishing, extremely stylish show which leaves no room for banality and boredom. Even if the flood of smashing sounds is broken by gentleness – it's its rough, not sweet version.
Changeable structures – either cutting like glass or overwhelming with its exceptional power - stand for the strongest point of ABL's music – just like the marvelous scenic manner of the musicians that reveals that scene is their 'natural habitat'.
It was a very sexy and energetic concert, partly thanks to great scenic means (lights, smoke), partly to the mentioned music and Rafal's charisma and unbeaten energy whose influence on audience is indeed stunning.
They played e.g. „control you”, „southern sun”, „close behind you”, „shelter”, „aspetto solo te”, ”little ghost” and - of course - „silent war”.
http://www.myspace.com/agonisedbylove
http://www.agonisedbylove.art.pl
Diary of Dreams
After those magnificent concerts had ended it was hight time for Diary of Dreams to start.... the atmosphere was built from the very begging: thick, dense smoke, dim lights, changing from red to green to dark blue, the spirit of anticipation – all that added to the greatness of applause that welcomed the artists when the finally appeared on the stage...
You won't find me exaggerating when I say that it was one of the best concerts of Diary of Dreams in Poland: filled with energy, glaring with emotions, splendid and dynamic, including 'old' and 'new' elements as well as those melancholic and rapacious, gentle and bubbling over with intensity. It seemed that Adrian Hates, whose charisma can't be beaten, have spelled a cast with his deep, pervading voice that revealed its fantastic range in sentimental, heart-rendering ballads (as, for instance, in „Traumtänzer”, while which I though the audience was bewitched, such were the engrossment and pensiveness I could see on the people's faces) or in harsh pieces like „The Plague” or „Giftraum” (during which we were struck with its intensity and astounding force).
Fantastic music background interwoven of fine, pounding, uncontrollable guitars and hypnotizing, vibrating keys and drums made impression of a huge, morose machine affecting all our senses with incredible power.
While the band played „The Plague” - for the first time live in Poland – the energy emanating from and to the stage exceeded all I'd seen till then at concerts of such kind. Genuine enthusiasm, clapping hands, singing, dancing and the sea of hands stretched towards th stage – such an atmosphere should be experienced at least once by anyone. Actually the whole concert was like that - the audience was singing with the artists ( at times Adrian let the people sing alone) and the pure joy of being near the band, which is one of the most loved in Poland, was definitely the factor that will make this concert remembered.
The other thing is that neither Adrian nor Gaun:A create artificial barriers we=artists ≠ you=audience; on the contrary, their vim and message are so peculiar that anyone may feel the part of the concert and experience energy exchange and the power of the music in full.
The last thing is the magic of the songs as such – both the well-known and the new ones, which definitely have special place in many people's private mythologies.
As to the songs – apart from those I mentioned, the band also presented „Soul Striper”, „Play God”, „Reign Of Chaos”, „The Curse”, „Chemicals” or „Butterfly:Dance!”, „She and Her Darkness”, „Kindrom”, „O'brother Sleep”, „The Witching Hour „,Nekrolog 43”, „Son Of A Thief”, „UnWanted?”, „Hypo)cryptiK(al”, „She” - some in “deeper”, more gloomy or slower versions.
The band came up in costumes designed for them by Adrelass especially for the tour (the trousers stained with paint with leather and metal elements sewed on the outfit) that added a bit of rapacity to their scenic presentation – which was rich in fine moments indeed: the moment Adrian kicked towards the audience while singing or Gaun:A balancing on the edge of the stage with the guitar in his hands were definitely those best ones (yes, yes, Adrian loosened his hair and stretched his arms, yes, those parts are set ones – I think most of us is used to them and waits for them at every concert :).
The Warsaw concert was also the one during which we could see a new member of the band – Taste – who appeared instead of Torben Wendt as a keyboarder. Unfortunately, Taste and the other member of DoD – D.N.S – were standing at the back and the dense smoke and dim light did not let me see them well. Still, the power of the music was so overpowering that I find it the best proof that they actually were there and they contributed to the concert in large.
I suppose it won't be a surprise to know DoD gave two encores... the audience wouldn't let them go and gave expression of their elation, delight and attachment with huge bravos and loud calls. Surely – the atmosphere of the event was special.
http://www.diaryofdreams.de
http://www.myspace.com/diaryofdreams
After
the concert the artists mixed with the audience and let them take
pictures and chat for a moment (indeed, the number of people willing to
take a shot and chit-chat was.. hmm, quite big:). It was a nice thing as
in the past years Diary of Dreams had no or very little time to spend
with fans, while this time they appeared both on before (that took place
the day earlier in the club No Mercy) and after party. Great gift.
How to sum up the concerts? I think I'd need more distance which I lack at the moment – the emotions were so strong - but I think you'll agree with me when I say it was FANTASTIC event!
A word about technical aspects of the event: the club (spatial, though located in the suburbs) as well as sound and lights were quite OK, so it was the music not the fight of tech staff that played the main role. Moreover, there were no stoppages between concerts, no major mistakes, everything was running so smoothly like in a best-directed ballet. I congratulate organizers and I'm waiting for continuation... which, as I've heard, is to come this year, in acoustic version...
What about the music itself? Well, as I wrote numerous times “the music starts where words end” - no exception here: the music has beaten words once again, so I'll stop here...
The concert in Warsaw, as the next (though still one of the first) stop on „N43” tour attracted crowds to the club Progresja and, let me say it openly, it was worth coming. Those who complained after the last gig of DoD in Poland (the Castle Party one) that the band hadn't played 'any new songs' were now satisfied.
Still, before the heroes of the evening appeared on the stage two domestic projects - Cliche and Agonised by Love. - played their gigs.
Cliche
We were a bit late for the show of the project (unfortunately the location of the club Progresja was a bit challenging) so when we finally got to the club the concert had already started.
Cliche, formed in 2004, is a one-(wo)man project of de-mo, who is at the moment supported by Nari during live shows. The artistic output of de-mo includes several releases ("Mikstura" (2004) LP, "syntHetyk" (2005) LP, "Self-contained" (2005) EP and "Tired" (2005) EP) that had been inspired by such artists as Mesh, De/Vision, Camouflage, Wolfsheim, Iris, Covenant and Depeche Mode.
Ideologically and scenically Cliche is a project of many contrasts: starting with the image (the vocalist appeared wearing black outfit and white tie whereas the keyboarder – white clothes and black tie, not to mention manicure) through texts and background... there's a lot of self-irony to it, a bit of cynicism and no pose or „a big way” thing whatsoever. Obviously, the show reveals the idea and some kind of pre-prepared stylization, but it's not that much exaggerated and pompous as juxtaposed – like a kinda negative/positive ambivalence...
According to the set of contrasts, what emanated from the stage was self-confidence and balanced emotionality interchanged with scoff and pugnacity, indifference and defiance. However, it was a huge distance – both to herself and her music – and some sort of indifference to the public response that were the first impressions I got (both of mimicry and special glances) of de-mo's show. Highly refreshing feeling.
The songs presented at the concert featured vast amounts of sensuality, vitality and good beat, constructed partly on the basis of warm and yet definite and strong vocal and cold electronic music served by Nari. A bit muffled, systematized melodies sounded – in my opinion – very well.
We could hear, e.g: "F-ear", "Nie pamiętasz mnie", "W stanie nierzeczywistym", "Fast cars", "Niewolnik" and "Locked".
All in all „cliche” seems to be a highly provocative one – the name and means of expression are dubious and suggest a lot of mockery, self-irony and a bit of grotesque too – both in music and in approach to making it as well. The very fact that de-mo describes her philosophy as „copying the original” imposes certain understanding of her music and definitely could be given a label "attention, the music created by the brain that works".
http://www.myspace.com/clicheproject
http://www.de-mo-ralizacja.prv.pl
Agonised by Love – Polish project that has been active since 1997, is gradually becoming one of those that „need no further introduction”. Their artistic output includes such releases as e.g. „All Of White Horizons” (2005), Close Behind You EP Ltd (2005) – coherent, presenting good, strong electronic/gothic/pop music while their concerts are always shows of professionalism and vibrating energy.
At the concert in Warsaw ABL really whacked up – masses of smoke, changing lights and harsh, energizing beat hitting from the stage attracted the audience's attention right off the bat: the musicians are so experienced that their confidence, engagement and incredible magnetism are irresistible power that secures success to their every show.
ABL's music is a combination of harsh, somewhat rocky guitars, great rhythm, Bartosz Hervy's freely running, dynamic electronics that bind the whole into a smooth entity and highly emotional, a bit neurotic vocal of Rafał Tomaszczuk, who perfectly co-op-play with the other two members of the band: Wojciech Pawlowski (guitars) and Marcin Szacilowski (keys). Those four gents on stage provide ravishing, extremely stylish show which leaves no room for banality and boredom. Even if the flood of smashing sounds is broken by gentleness – it's its rough, not sweet version.
Changeable structures – either cutting like glass or overwhelming with its exceptional power - stand for the strongest point of ABL's music – just like the marvelous scenic manner of the musicians that reveals that scene is their 'natural habitat'.
It was a very sexy and energetic concert, partly thanks to great scenic means (lights, smoke), partly to the mentioned music and Rafal's charisma and unbeaten energy whose influence on audience is indeed stunning.
They played e.g. „control you”, „southern sun”, „close behind you”, „shelter”, „aspetto solo te”, ”little ghost” and - of course - „silent war”.
http://www.myspace.com/agonisedbylove
http://www.agonisedbylove.art.pl
After those magnificent concerts had ended it was hight time for Diary of Dreams to start.... the atmosphere was built from the very begging: thick, dense smoke, dim lights, changing from red to green to dark blue, the spirit of anticipation – all that added to the greatness of applause that welcomed the artists when the finally appeared on the stage...
You won't find me exaggerating when I say that it was one of the best concerts of Diary of Dreams in Poland: filled with energy, glaring with emotions, splendid and dynamic, including 'old' and 'new' elements as well as those melancholic and rapacious, gentle and bubbling over with intensity. It seemed that Adrian Hates, whose charisma can't be beaten, have spelled a cast with his deep, pervading voice that revealed its fantastic range in sentimental, heart-rendering ballads (as, for instance, in „Traumtänzer”, while which I though the audience was bewitched, such were the engrossment and pensiveness I could see on the people's faces) or in harsh pieces like „The Plague” or „Giftraum” (during which we were struck with its intensity and astounding force).
Fantastic music background interwoven of fine, pounding, uncontrollable guitars and hypnotizing, vibrating keys and drums made impression of a huge, morose machine affecting all our senses with incredible power.
While the band played „The Plague” - for the first time live in Poland – the energy emanating from and to the stage exceeded all I'd seen till then at concerts of such kind. Genuine enthusiasm, clapping hands, singing, dancing and the sea of hands stretched towards th stage – such an atmosphere should be experienced at least once by anyone. Actually the whole concert was like that - the audience was singing with the artists ( at times Adrian let the people sing alone) and the pure joy of being near the band, which is one of the most loved in Poland, was definitely the factor that will make this concert remembered.
The other thing is that neither Adrian nor Gaun:A create artificial barriers we=artists ≠ you=audience; on the contrary, their vim and message are so peculiar that anyone may feel the part of the concert and experience energy exchange and the power of the music in full.
The last thing is the magic of the songs as such – both the well-known and the new ones, which definitely have special place in many people's private mythologies.
As to the songs – apart from those I mentioned, the band also presented „Soul Striper”, „Play God”, „Reign Of Chaos”, „The Curse”, „Chemicals” or „Butterfly:Dance!”, „She and Her Darkness”, „Kindrom”, „O'brother Sleep”, „The Witching Hour „,Nekrolog 43”, „Son Of A Thief”, „UnWanted?”, „Hypo)cryptiK(al”, „She” - some in “deeper”, more gloomy or slower versions.
The band came up in costumes designed for them by Adrelass especially for the tour (the trousers stained with paint with leather and metal elements sewed on the outfit) that added a bit of rapacity to their scenic presentation – which was rich in fine moments indeed: the moment Adrian kicked towards the audience while singing or Gaun:A balancing on the edge of the stage with the guitar in his hands were definitely those best ones (yes, yes, Adrian loosened his hair and stretched his arms, yes, those parts are set ones – I think most of us is used to them and waits for them at every concert :).
The Warsaw concert was also the one during which we could see a new member of the band – Taste – who appeared instead of Torben Wendt as a keyboarder. Unfortunately, Taste and the other member of DoD – D.N.S – were standing at the back and the dense smoke and dim light did not let me see them well. Still, the power of the music was so overpowering that I find it the best proof that they actually were there and they contributed to the concert in large.
I suppose it won't be a surprise to know DoD gave two encores... the audience wouldn't let them go and gave expression of their elation, delight and attachment with huge bravos and loud calls. Surely – the atmosphere of the event was special.
http://www.diaryofdreams.de
http://www.myspace.com/diaryofdreams
How to sum up the concerts? I think I'd need more distance which I lack at the moment – the emotions were so strong - but I think you'll agree with me when I say it was FANTASTIC event!
A word about technical aspects of the event: the club (spatial, though located in the suburbs) as well as sound and lights were quite OK, so it was the music not the fight of tech staff that played the main role. Moreover, there were no stoppages between concerts, no major mistakes, everything was running so smoothly like in a best-directed ballet. I congratulate organizers and I'm waiting for continuation... which, as I've heard, is to come this year, in acoustic version...
What about the music itself? Well, as I wrote numerous times “the music starts where words end” - no exception here: the music has beaten words once again, so I'll stop here...
