03-09-2011 Backyard Festival

Location: Greven (Germany)
By: Sabine van Gameren

Backyard festival is a small festival in Greven, Germany. They had quite an interesting line-up with different styles of music on the bill.

Next up was Greems. They did not play much either but that is more a blessing that a pity. Two femmes on front, not having found a correct feeling for timing and often out of tune. Also, when they had to start a song for the first time before it was as it supposed to be I lost interest. Maybe in some years, but not anytime soon I would like to see them again.

Things got more serious when 5ft High And Rising came to stage. The guys make hardcore and seem to have some structure in their songs, which works quite well. They got some good guitarists but the vocals were sometimes a bit unsteady. Some work on that may be done. Also a plus of them is they seem to have thought about their stage performance as well, just a little remark must be made: the guys must be careful it does not appear to be to choreographed, after all it is not some pop music formation.

Rising Anger was a nice surprise, a band that really stood out basically because they are the first that have a balanced band, all seem quite at the same level and the guys seem to work as a team. The guitarists secretly come upfront sometimes to give a little show of their own by throwing in some riffs when you not always expect them to be like that. Unfortunately most people remain a bit in the back of the area, where the shadows offer some protection from the sun. It gives nevertheless all reasons to assume the guys will grow substantially larger in future.

Disposed to Mirth has a more technical approach, putting a lot of stress on their brutality in both the music and the performance. This performance part seem to work out quite well , they got some people to the front and the party has started. Also for them counts that they must be careful with not overdoing things, something that can easily kill the whole live experience, but for now they did not cross that boarder. About crossing borders, the band have a tour announced that gets them out of their own country as well so if you are into this Deathcore it might be wise to check their tour schedule and see if they have any shows in your area.

From all the core we got earlier today we are now confronted with the Death Metal from New World Depression. The guys had won a band contest to play here and showed that this was a deserved victory. The band are actively involving their audience with their performance and bring a good atmosphere to the festival, people found their way to the front row by now and are clearly into this formation. When it comes to their sound it is mostly a very full sound, the band keeps on going and going sending a wall of music into the field and it clearly hits today.

Sister Sin is he first band from abroad. The Swedes are bringing female fronted rock and roll and with a passion. It is clear the band knows how to make a great show and is obviously loved. Femme Liv is showing some good showmanship and a great voice sounding exactly as you want to feel your rock and roll. Then, they also have a great drummer who is very energetic and takes the attention of many people as well. They played for about an hour in which they showed a diverse set, some older songs some newer songs and above all it radiates that they love to be on stage. Sister Sin performed a perfect show exactly as you may have expected it.

Poisonblack was headlining this festival. The band from Finland has recently released their album “Drive”. At this show they played a lot of songs of this album, but also the golden oldies were not forgotten. “Love Infernal” got played and while some drunk idiot thought that was the perfect time to go crowdsurfing, loads of fans were obviously enjoying it. Also many of the other singles were played, including the latest “Mercury Falling”. What stood out tonight was the sound of the keyboards, quite present in the mix, which worked so well. Also the guitarist and bassist were both very active to entertain the audience, which was rocking, dancing jumping and doing whatever they liked to show some appreciation. Overall, a perfect way to close your festival!

Backyard Festival was a festival with a good atmosphere, showing a diversity of bands from beginning rockstar to international touring band. Great to see festivals like this!

More photo’s of this event can be found at Sabinevangameren.com after 12 September 2011

Links:
Backyard Festival website