Amsterdam Jam

Its the start of 2009 and a good time to look back at the gigs that we liked last year. Here’s a list of some of the gigs that we liked in no particular order.

The Chap @ The Nieuwe Anita
This art rock pop act from the UK played a very nice set in the basement of this quasi-squat venue in the Oud-West of Amsterdam. I was incredibly impressed by this band and the sound they managed to produce in this limited venue. It was great to see a band of this caliber from so up close and personal, you could literally reach out and touch them. They delivered a set with much verve and humor and are the antithesis of the current much hyped bands that pack big venues and fail to deliver the goods. They have informed me that they are going to come back to Amsterdam very soon…watch this space.

The Chap - Fun and Interesting
 

Pivot @ Paradiso
These guys played a wonderful gig on a Sunday night in the Kleine Zaal of the Paradiso. Their set was very impressive and the sound very mature considering they had just released their debut album. The last song of the set was a cover of I Zimbra by Talking Heads which was very cool. From talking to them after the gig they are a very nice bunch of guys as well. This band is currently touring in their native Australia for the next few months. I’m looking forward to some more material and hopefully more gigs from them this year.

Pivot - In the Blood

Under Byen @ Ekko
This band played a top show at the Ekko in Utrecht. There is a review on the Amsterdam Jam site here.


Under Byen - Plantage

Atmosphere @ Melkweg
I have to admit that I only came across this long standing hip hop act this year when they released their latest album “When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold”. They were refreshing live and devoid of the excess posturing that comes with certain types of hip hop artists. And also playing in the small intimate room of the Melkweg, definitely no lemons here!


Atmosphere - Guarantees

Aesop Rock @ Melkweg
On the Def Jux record label Aesop Rock played in the Melkweg Kleine Zaal in early 2008. Assisted by guest MC Rob Sonic these guys really rocked the packed out venue. From the number of quality acts that they put on the Melkweg was the number one venue for underground hip hop in Amsterdam for 2008.


Aesop Rock - None Shall Pass

Mercury Rev @ Paradiso
They played in the main hall of the Paradiso but yet the gig still felt intimate. There is a review of this gig on Amsterdam Jam here. Their new album is very good and well worth checking out.


Mercury Rev - Butterfly’s Wings

In the next while there will be postings for some hot gigs to get your teeth into this year.

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