Rockezine.com concert review for Hot Water Music on May 12, 2003 in the Melkweg/Amsterdam

May 12, 2003

Each time I’m in the Melkweg, I’m usually watching some ‘stupid’ band (Sum 41 or Crazy Town for example). Remarkably, each time I’m watching a band like this, I somehow start to enjoy the performance. But tonight I have mixed feelings about the performing bands. Hot Water Music (HWM) and Fireside have combined forces this evening. For HWM it’s the first concert on their European tour, for the latter it’s one of their last shows. And together with Donots and De Stijl, they present a various package to the audience. After arriving a little after 20:30, I was surprised to notice that The Donots had already played. As it turned out, the band started at 20:00 instead of 20:30, like we were told. I really wanted to see this band; they’ve got a great live reputation! Well, I guess their reputation maintains a mystery to me for now.

De Stijl
After some waiting De Stijl surprised us. I never heard of this band and by the sound of their (Dutch) name, I figured this would be a Dutch punk band. Totally wrong, they’re Swedish and their music can be described as a mix between Weezer and The Ramones. Or britpop/punkrock, to give it a name. They’re touring with Fireside to promote their new cd called Yeahvolution.

What followed the next half hour were short, simple, but recognisable songs. Songtitels are hard to recall, for they were hardly mentioned or I couldn’t understand them. But anyway, the band did their best to convince the audience. Especially the singer was in his element. On one song he would only sing, on another song he would also play some guitar as well. Meanwhile he was walking around as if he just had a nerve-attack. The drummer also had some aberrations, because his drum style seemed rather peculiar. It looked like he’s a left-handed drummer on a right-handed drum kit.

Fireside
After De Stijl, it’s Fireside’s turn to perform. This Swedish band has been around for some ten years now and is presenting their latest album Get Shot. I must say, I don’t know the album, or any other album from the band. From the start of the show I was impressed by their sound. I’m not a big fan of this kind of music, however when I’m at a concert like this anyway, I’m of course willing to give it a try. For what I remembered they played “Desolator”, “The Betrayer”, “All You Had”, “Fernandeze Must Die” and a lot more.

After a while it began to bore though. I wanted to see HWM and time was closing in on 23:00, which meant only one thing: I had to catch the last train back. So as Fireside left the stage, I still hoped to see at least one or two songs of HWM. Well, the last two songs I saw were in fact the ‘encore’ by Fireside (damn, damn!). I left the Melkweg with a bitter taste, having neither seen Donots or Hot Water Music. Ah well, shit happens. I shall see them somewhere else!

(Review: Roelof Buis)