Melkweg, Amsterdam
09/10/04
It may be a tour celebrating their 15 year anniversary, but The Gathering seems to be as happy as ever onstage, if not happier. They clearly delighted in the rapturous reaction from the Amsterdam audience, appearing almost surprised by it. But this band are completely wound up for touring right now, and it feels like everything they deliver is done with complete precision. It’s thrilling to experience really.
There was such a low-key entrance too, starting off with ‘Rescue Me’ and ‘Amity’, placing the beauty and sensitivity of their songcraft ahead of the adrenaline of loud guitars. It was immediately captivating and makes you realize how much of a voyage each song really is. Thick layers of atmosphere build and then fall from the orchestration. Of course there is no great level of aggression or negativity in that. It’s barely possible with Anneke van Giesbergen flashing a beaming smile while delivering her vocals, but hey, she’s completely enrapturing to watch. Her obvious joy from being onstage and performing could win over any audience.
The evening’s setlist took in all parts of their long history. I always question whether the older material holds them back, but whenever songs from Mandylion or Nighttime Birds are reeled out, it’s typically a great deal of fun for the band and audience. It quickly turns the room into a sea of head-banging, and although the other band members are much more controlled in their appearance, they still seem to get a kick from their past. Yet it must be more pleasing that everything since is received with such a fervent response also. ‘Even the Spirits Are Afraid’ and ‘Broken Glass’ are treated like old friends. And the fact that ‘Black Light District’ is still closing shows two years on only proves further that it is one of their greatest songwriting achievements to date.
I say it every time. The Gathering aren’t cool. It’s still not the done thing to admit to being a fan, and no doubt all of the hip kids were over at the Paradiso to see Voicst and Bettie Serveert. Thankfully it’s not all about being cool, and for those willing, these shows are always a stunning adventure in modern rock.
Steven McCarron
Photo: Cycling Colours
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