March 12, 2015 is going to go into my music
journal – yes, I have a music journal – as the day that my appreciation and gratitude
for Colour Haze grew. I’ll let you in on a little secret, every time I mention
Colour Haze in my music journal I say the same thing. One might call me a
scratched record because of this but I’m convinced that due to the ethereal
power that is Colour Haze, this statement requires repetition. So what happened
on March 12, 2015? Well, Colour Haze visited Tilburg’s 013 for the first time
in God-knows-how-long and brought along their friends Monomyth and Radio Moscow
to accentuate the onslaught of psychedelic beauty.
Monomyth is a Dutch band who with the release of
their latest album, “Further,” found a home at one of Holland’s most respected
record labels, Suburban Records. When it comes to local talent, this label
doesn’t mess around, so it’s no surprise to see their bands stand tall as
opening acts for the crème de la crème of the stoner rock community. Last
night, when Monomyth took to the stage and opened the evening with smoke
machines and a light show that was worth the ticket price alone, it was no
different. The band deserved to be there and was welcomed with open arms.
Actually, most of those in attendance stood there with their eyes closed,
impervious to the beer flying out of their cups, as their heads bopped round
and around to the massive space rock tones moving through the air. After a
glorious forty five minutes, the band hung up their instruments, went to go
stand with their arms wrapped around each other’s shoulders at the front of the
stage and took a bow. As the crowd cheered and clapped, screaming for more, it
was obvious Monomyth had just won themselves some new fans.
The next band was Radio Moscow and they
immediately won points by being able to set up their stage and get rocking
within fifteen minutes. This set the tone for their show – there were no bells
and whistles, just music. The bassist and drummer were stage left and center
respectively but played as though they were connected at the hip. This firm
foundation was needed so guitarist Parker Griggs could freely noodle his way in
and out of the heavy bluesy grooves with never ending guitar solos. His smokey,
gritty voice commanded attention every time it plowed through the chaotic
rumbling of the band. When it comes to Radio Moscow, there’s no shortage of
getting down to business, which, when compared to the meandering Monomyth and
Colour Haze, highlighted the other side of the psychedelic genre.
My first exposure to Colour Haze was in 2005
when their self-titled came out. The timing for that album was perfect, I had
burnt myself out on punk rock and I was looking for something new and Colour
Haze was it. Ever since then I have seen every Colour Haze
show within a two hour drive from my house, and once I even drove six hours to
go see them. For me, the time I spend in the car to get to their shows is
meaningless because seeing those three guys up on stage make it all worthwhile.
Last night I drove those two hours again and as usual, Colour Haze delivered.
They played “She Said” with the most confidence I have ever seen them do that
with, moved into “Transformation” while grinning from ear and to ear, and
brought two or three songs from their latest album “To the Highest Gods We
Know” into the live setting. These songs had a whole new impact as they were
finally provided room to breathe rather than being confined to a compact disc.
My personal favorite, and based on the crowd’s response I wasn’t alone, was
“Aquamaria.” Colour Haze got lost and taken away by this song making it feel as
though the music was coming from a different, higher up place, rather than the
musicians themselves. This was a humbling moment for myself, and when Koglek,
with his bright eyes and trying to hold back a smile, simply said “thank you”
after the song’s conclusion, I knew he and his comrades were humbled as well.
There isn’t really much left to say about last
night other than Tilburg’s 013 was home, once again, to a night of psychedelic
bliss. Monomyth laid down a strong set and set the bar high by doing so. Radio
Moscow shuffled for forty five minutes, and Colour Haze tied up all the loose
ends and left everyone’s mind blown. I wouldn’t mind seeing this tour come
around again.
Words:
Victor Van Ommen
