ESNS12: Groningen-based The Black Atlantic outclass international line-up

CONCERT
The Black Atlantic, Eurosonic, Paleis Main, january 12th 2012

MUSIC
The Black Atlantic adapt a relatively sterile and authentic contemporary folk sound with references to indie rock. Their debut "Reverence for Fallen Trees"(2009) will finally get a much anticipated follow-up in the shape of Darkling, I Listen.

PLUS
Plainly spoken, the EP is impressive, but it's live where these new tunes really flourish. Especially the guitar parts have a significant increase in density and volume. The reverby acoustics of this museum-like setting magnifies this. The new songs lean heavily towards modern bands like Beach House and Department of Eagles. The distinct reverbed guitar sound follows the blueprint of Grizzly Bear's While You Wait For The Others. The clad, industrial-like sound textures and infectious disposition of frontman Geert van der Velde make this performance urgent, volatile and earnest.

At the right moment, they take a step back with the more gentle, soothing approach of their first record. Van der Velde boldy experiments with his voice. While the older songs' remain as 'pretty' as ever, he really dictates the mood of the new material, at times no louder than a whisper. On top of that, Van der Velde has the luxury having a terrific backup vocalist in Kim Janssen. We're witnessing a band who has gained alot of stage experience over the years. They are even besting Afrojack and André Rieu when it comes to playing overseas. This is pretty evident now: here we see the most stalwart yet relaxed formation of the night playing an awe-inspiring show.

MINUS
Despite the bands stalwart effort during this EP-showcase, the crowd doesn't seem to match the bands intensity. It's still early and the venues natural reverb is quite overwhelming. The music doesn't seem to break through. Because the EP is just now being presented, the new material is still quite new to alot of people. It doesn't help seeing Geert adress the crowd in English inbetween songs.

Some songs may be a bit TOO embellished for their own good. Grizzly Bear for example, still molds their experimental sound pallette to a compact, condensed pop sound. The Black Atlantic, however, puts more emphasis into the details themselves. Sometimes deliberately, yet sometimes adventurously astray, to eventually fall back on their tunes' motifs. Artistically commendable, but sometimes the audience may lose track of things.

CONCLUSION
It's astonishing to see the The Black Atlantic operate on such a small scale in their own country. Perhaps they've been performing abroad for too long. The Black Atlantic, simply said, is one of the best homegrown bands out there. But especially within the international context here at Eurosonic, it seems there is no need for half-witted nationalism to give this band its well earned recognition. Because within that international community, Van der Velde and consorts are leading the pack. With fragile lullabyes and majestic, poignant piano operas, pretty voices and experimental endeavors, the Groningen-based band is one we'll be enjoying for a long, long time.

GRADE
8