Date: 15-12-2007; Venue: Dynamo + Ramblas, Eindhoven(Netherlands)
By: Elvira Visser
When I arrived at the venue I heard that one of the Norwegian bands was not
playing. One of the guys just became dad, if I am right. There were 2 Dutch
bands who would fill their gap. Have not really seen their performances, but
I could hear them because the sound level was quite high. I was talking to the
guys from Rules of Engagement and Scenario II and just having a great time.
They played in the basement, quite small and dark but you can say that it fits the music. Scenario II entered the stage and to me the stage was way too little for them. They need some space, still they played great. I could recognise the songs from last time, especially “Away” was nice to hear. That song
has a great intro and rhythm. Suddenly, after a few songs it started to rain. You did read well if you think how that was possible because they played in the basement. Somehow the air-conditioning broke down and some water was dripping out the the tubes. It did not scared the guys off stage and they played some more songs, the audience did a step back and just enjoyed them but after 2 more songs the organiser had to say that he had to cancel the gig. Much to everyone’s
disappointment. When I looked at the side of the café, I could see the floor was really flooded by water. I think it was the right decision to cancel, was not really safe to play there with electric equipment.
Not only the guys from Scenario felt shit but also the guys from Rules of Engagement,
they came all the way from Norway to play 2 gigs, and one just seemed to disappear
in water. In the dressing room they found a paper with the play list of the
first band that evening and one of them was called the rain dance, or dance
for rain or something close to that. We joked around that it was their fault
and could laugh a little. Decided that we would go to the pub and get drunk.
The only way to forget this.
When we arrived at the Ramblas, a pub, both bands were there drinking. Especially
the Norwegian guys…I saw some of them with 3 drinks at the same time. They
really were trying to get themselves as drunk as possible to forget that they
could not play, I think. I was a little later because I needed some food but
when I walked in someone told me that “Peter Pan Speedrock” had just
played there. When I looked around I saw the singer from Scenario II talk to
the guys on stage and the sound guy. Not much later he asked the Norwegian guys
if they wanted to play. Of course they would, they really did not have to think
about it. They almost ran away to get their stuff. Bob, the singer, was still
in the pub and he looked a bit worried. I asked what was wrong and he replied:
damn, I’m drunk. I looked behind me and there was the table the guys were sitting
around and yeah pretty much a lot of empty bottles and glasses. Well he decided
to give it a go anyway as the other guys really wanted to play.
Not much later they were on the stage…some a bit wobbly but still they played
with eager. Think it would have been better in a nice venue and less alcohol
but still the songs where great to hear. The audience who got this unexpected
gig also seemed to appreciate it. They played more songs but I remember “Endless
Sleep”, “Forgotten” and “Saved by Insanity”. Maybe
this evening was saved by a little insanity because when the guys were having
fun in playing the drummer broke the bassdrumvil while playing, and decided
this drum kit was never used properly. The guys could not continue but did not
seemed to mind it that much. They did play but right now they were a little
too drunk to play some more. But the drummer decided it was time to sing a song
in Dutch and asked the audience if any knew the song of the “Schipper”.
Both crowd and band started to sing “Schipper mag ik over varen…”.
Cool way to end.
It was time to party some, and Rules of Engagement promised me that next time
they will play better or at least not drunk. For me this evening was a lot of
fun, even though it looked like worst case scenario(II) but it was nice to see
both bands play a couple of song and I look forward to see them play full set
lists.
Links:
Scenario II MySpace
Scenario II Official
Rules of Engagement MySpace
Rules of Engagement Official
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