Mara's Music Notes ♫

Love letters to live music in a form of shitposting and very subjective concert reviews.

[marasmusicnotes]

Intro

This is long overdue.

The pandemic made me realize how much I actually missed live music, but also how many of the live shows I went to that I may have forgotten about! There is no better feeling in the world than to enjoy favorite tunes live.

As an avid music lover and concertgoer for the past twenty-something years, I thought to use this space to bring all those memories together. I am starting to become an old, forgetful fart, and I feel like I need to preserve those memories for myself. Also, I don't see a better place for sharing my horribly bad images and videos of the captured moments.

Also, cats.

[marasmusicnotes]

Calexico

Oct 28, 2023 - Theater des Westens (Berlin)

I am a huge fan of Feast of Wire and was hyped to see this show, as it was the anniversary one! Double points for it being a seated show! We did not see the support, since we got to the venue as they were finishing their set so we stayed in the foyer until the main act. The venue was this beautiful theatre building with ridiculously big chandeliers, so it was nice to hang out there.

The Calexico show started with Sunken Walz, and progressed with the rest of the album with an insert of some covers like Love Will Tear Us Apart or Hit The Road Jack here and there.

Close Behind. El Robot! Güero Canelo!! Each song had a strong live arrangement, and was a delight to hear. At some point I regretted it being a seated show - Calexico shows are for dancing!

The encore included songs from other albums, and provided a nice closure to the evening.

Rating: 10/10 Super nice! Sitting sometimes sucks

[marasmusicnotes]

Ola Englund, Bernth & Charles

Jan 12, 2025 - Frannz club (Berlin)

“Escape the internet tour” sounds like a cringe title for a show, but it was actually a fun one. We got inside the venue literally three minutes before the show started. We were there to see Ola.

He was opening the show with his solo material. He looked a bit tired and shy, but overall the show was nice, starting with Game Over and ending with Stars and Ponies, his ultimate banger as far as I’m concerned. At some point there was also otamatone involved.

The s.o. and I have followed Ola for a long time now, and it was cool to see his progression as a musician and a businessman over the years. He has this get-it-done mindset while on stage or at the merch stand. There were even some Solar guitars at the merch stand.

Bernth and Charles thought of giving us a stand up comedy show. Throughout the night they would challenge each other to prove once and for all whether bass or guitar is better. The German crowd is tough, especially on a Sunday evening, so they didn’t seem to react that much to things. I guess this is also to be expected due to the nature of the show with instrumental noodling. It was still fun.

At the end, we took some merch and talked to Ola a bit, he’s a cool guy.

Rating: 9/10 That shit was not ass.

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London Grammar 

Nov 7, 2024 - UFO im Velodrom (Berlin)

We were a tiny bit late to this one, and on our way there commented how it's anyway been a while since we discovered a great support band on a show. This very quickly backfired as we entered the venue. The s.o. likes Cvrches very much, so it’s a shame we didn’t see Lauren’s entire opening act. Oh well, next time. It was still nice to see part of her show and her solo material is as airy and poppy as expected.

The crowd was bored while we waited for the main act, so random people from one side of the tribunes started waving their phones with flashlights on. The other side followed soon, together with us in the middle. Yay. ✨

After a bit of waiting, it was London Grammar’s turn. This was The Greatest Love Arena Tour, but interestingly, they did not play that many songs from the new album. There was a drone flying over the stage, surrounding the band and reproducing the imagery on large screens. I don’t think I’ve seen that approach before at the show. The lasers were piercing through the fog, creating beautiful patterns in the air as the show progressed.

At a later point, the band switched to the smaller stage at the center of the venue to perform Fakest bitch in a more intimate setting, as they would in their rehearsal room.

Strong was kept for the end of course. Maybe it's one of those songs where the band gets bored of it but by now it's the staple in the repertoire. Hannah made the crowd sing the chorus. It was still very nice to hear, and closed the evening beautifully.

Rating: 9/10

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Yo La Tengo

April 25, 2023 - Huxley’s Neue Welt (Berlin)

I went to see this one with a group of friends, some of whom had already seen Yo La Tengo before. I kinda had high expectations of the show. I did not see them before, but admired their versatility and creative indie soundscapes. 

We stood somewhere at the front. Unfortunately, the sound on the show was just pure noise throughout, piercing the ears. The set had two parts, and looked to focus on more experimental stuff from This Stupid World. They did not play anything from I Am Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass. I do admire their musicianship tho - just the three of them on stage, vibing and switching instruments as needed to perform a piece.

At some point Georgia told the lady in the audience to be quiet, after she tried to ask for a song. That was an awkward silence moment right there.

Rating: 7/10 Too loud and meh setlist for me

[marasmusicnotes]

Robbie Williams - XXV Tour

Feb 21, 2023, Mercedes-Benz Arena (Berlin)

I was leaning against our kitchen windowsill and listening to Robbie singing Angels from far way on the other side of town. Back then, in Zagreb, I did not have much money to splurge on “non-essential” things. I regretted it, as Robbie was always dear to my heart.

So finally, ten years later in Germany, with disposable income and after being tired of being at home for two goddamn pandemic years, the s.o. and I went to see Robbie for ourselves.

The arena looked sold out, and we got ourselves seated tickets. I took my binoculars to see the stage better, lol. The show started with some DJ duo set, but soon enough Robbie appeared on stage wearing a shiny suit and a grin on his face. He opened with Let Me Entertain You, and soon after all bangers like Strong, Come Undone, or Eternity found their place in the set. The show looked polished with crisp lighting and simple stage setup with a video wall. Robbie’s voice was as clear and alive as ever.

In between songs, he would talk a lot about his past, his struggles, and the love he is surrounded with nowadays (happy for you, man). He also covered the time at Take That with the infamous video from Do What U Like with all their tushies showing. During Love My Life, there was a funny visualization at the back including some pink phallic shapes, so I had to immediately let L know about it. 

The fun continued with Feel, Kids, and Rock DJ until it started winding down at the encore with No Regrets, and—omg there it goes—Angels.

Rating: 11/10 Super fun pop show, Robbie is as charming as always

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Clutch, The Inspector Cluzo

2 Dec, 2018 - Astra (Berlin)

There was another band on this show, The Picturebooks, but I don’t remember us seeing it. The s.o. and I must have been late.

The Inspector Cluzo very much stole this show, with their People of the Soil tunes and snappy charm on stage. They took time to explain to us that we should be drinking armagnac and not cognac. We took their merch later, of course.

As for Clutch… I don’t know, what kind of a Clutch show is it without Regulator in the set? They were great on stage as they usually are, with powerful guitar riffs and rhythm. Earth Rocker and The Mob Goes Wild were there towards the end, but that was it for me. I thought the last time I saw them was better than this.

Rating: 8/10 I think the French stole the show here.

[marasmusicnotes]

Iron Maiden, Ghost

Jun 17, 2014 - Kalemegdan (Beograd)

We went to Belgrade for a couple of days, to visit s.o.'s grandparents and to see the Iron Maiden show. I specifically thought it would be a good idea to go to finally see that new band Ghost that everyone talked about.

The s.o.’s very friendly grandad showed us around town as if it were our first time there, even walking us to the venue and stopping at every chance to chat with others who were heading to the show.

As we entered, the venue was already quite full so we didn’t get a chance to get much up close. Some dude in front of us gave a middle finger to Ghost as they were coming on stage, I don’t know what his problem was. Ghost was super fun and we couldn’t wait to see them for the first time. They gave a great show with all their early stuff that we adored - starting with Year Zero, and ending with Ritual and Monstrance Clock.

Then, an airplane put on a show above our heads, spinning and circling a few times, showing Eddie on its underside. After that, it was time for Iron Maiden. It was about the third time seeing them for us both, and it was still the Maiden England tour, so we knew well what we were getting as soon as the Doctor Doctor intro started. All my favorites from Seventh Son were there, as well as Wasted Years and I couldn’t be happier.

Rating: 9.5/10 Weather could’ve been nicer.

P.S. The s.o. still cannot forgive me for not letting him buy two Iron Maiden shirts, as the red one he wanted got sold out at the Iron Maiden online merch store later. I mean honestly, he has about ten of them by now.

[marasmusicnotes]

Calexico

27 Nov, 2012 - PAUK (Zagreb)

I went alone to this one, and I skipped Blind Pilot, the support band. This was the Algiers album tour, and my first time seeing Calexico. I got in time to see Calexico start with Across The Wire and loved the vibe immediately. The venue was fairly small and was packed, but there was enough space to move a bit. The stage seemed somehow too small for the band as well, but they delivered without hassle. Soon after we got to hear Roka and Para. Two Silver Trees was ridiculously tender and cute somewhere in the middle of the show.

Towards the end we got He Lays in Reins, and Güero Canelo, and that’s where the show really turned into a giant party, with Calexico having as much fun on stage as the crowd in front.

Rating: 9/10 Noted to myself - find people to go with next time

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Gipsy Kings

31 May, 2007 - Dom sportova (Zagreb)

I got free tickets for this show from the place I worked at as a student. I went there with a couple of friends, and we had a lovely time dancing somewhere at the back of the nicely filled hall. The stage setup was wide, as it had to fit some five or so guitars as well as additional band members at the back. The show started with a somewhat slower tempo but in the second half, we got to hear hits like Djobi Djoba, Volare, Baila me and Bamboleo, which was definitely a highlight. 

Rating: 9/10 I wish I took my mom to this one

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Hladno pivo

16 Dec, 2005 - Luxor (Samobor)

I went there with my cousin S, who was a big fan of Hladno Pivo back then. I was also supposed to meet Z there. He was late and I was nervously waiting for him at the bus station before deciding to go inside for a show. I don’t remember if there was any opening act. The album Šamar was still wildly popular, and the guys from Pivo put on a great show as usual at that time, at this small disco venue.

Rating: ?/10

[marasmusicnotes]

Myles Kennedy, Devin Townsend

Dec 3, 2024 - O2 Forum Kentish Town (London)

London never disappoints and this time it even treated us with some sunny weather in December, who knew? After visiting a friend outside of town, we stayed near Kentish Town, which was convenient, since that tube station was closed. We could walk to the venue on the day of the show!

I was very excited about this show, since I’m a fan of both Myles and Dev. Myles was stopping in Berlin on this tour too, but without Devin, so it was a no brainer to go see them both in London.

By 7 PM, the line was already massive, stretching all the way to a back alley. While waiting, we caught a glimpse of Dev warming up through a window - he would walk left to right repeatedly, with hands resting on his head.

Later on, Dev opened his set with a loud burp, followed by Let It Roll. 😅 Although we saw some Devy fans out there, most people seemed to be there for Myles, so they probably weren’t sure what to make of this. Dev himself acknowledged that this is probably not his crowd, but he still went all in with being his chaotic, if not cranky, self. 

A woman nearby got startled every time he would abruptly scream. He played Ih-Ah, Deadhead, and Life, but no new stuff from Powernerd yet. His set was very short but I hope he got at least some new fans.

Myles was a pure ray of sunshine, and seemed more happy and engaged than in any Berlin show we saw him at. The crowd responded to him with way more energy as well. He wore a Zeal and Ardor shirt - who knows, maybe his next album is going to be more metal. 

His new album The Art Of Letting Go meant he would deliver some perfect solos. Myles revealed once again that at the core, he's a passionate guitar nerd. His nice, new, electric arrangements of the songs from the Year of the Tiger were an absolute blast. Also, his great respect for Dev warms my heart.

Rating: 9/10 Dev can do it better, but my heart is full. <3

[marasmusicnotes]

Kaleo

Dec 5, 2024 - UE Music Hall (Berlin)

Icelandic americana time.

I felt a bit tired on that day, so I was happy to find out that G booked us tickets for the seated area. We also saw Kaleo some years ago, so it made sense to go together again. She is a bigger fan of the band than I am, but they do put a nice show.

I don’t remember what was the name of the support band, we spent that time catching up anyway. I was also happy to learn that one can order hot tea at the Music Hall. Rock’n’roll life at it’s finest with tea and sitting.

This was the Payback tour, and Kaleo didn’t have much new stuff out apart from the Lonely Cowboy single, so we did get a nice mix of new and old, and of course Way Down We Go. The show felt more subdued than the last one, and even the light show was toned down and more natural.

Rating: 8/10, a nice one but I’d probably enjoy it more if I was more into Kaleo.

[marasmusicnotes]

Countless Skies et.al. 

Sep 29, 2024 - OrwoHaus (Berlin)

It was a sunny autumn afternoon, and we arrived to Orwo early. Doors were not open yet, and strolling around the building, we saw some of the bands warming up. A bit later, we were all let in. S.o. and I were excited. The crowd was small from the start and didn’t grow much throughout the evening.

Countless Skies was the first band to perform, and they were the reason we were there. We missed seeing them at least two times before. Their tech setup took some time, but the band didn’t seem too worried about it. We stood right at the front, and the sound wasn’t great from there—the vocals were too quiet at times. Their epicness still shined through. Their set was short but great - they started with Moon and Summit, somewhere in between had Glow and ended with Tempest.

After their performance, we met the band, got our merch signed, and they even gave me the signed setlist, complete with a little illustration by the singer. So nice of them!

We stayed longer to check out other bands. The second band, Firtan, had a violinist and sounded like a mix between Ne Obliviscaris and Behemoth—an interesting combination. The third band, Finsterforst, gave off major lumberjack energy, but had some decent numbers.

At some point, two obnoxious guys in the crowd tried offering us coke. We walked home before Bucovina’s set.

All in all, it was a pretty good night.

Rating: 9/10

P.S. Countless Skies is in Berlin again, in just 4 days! Go see them immediately, because I—again—can’t. 😭

[marasmusicnotes]

Baroness 

Nov 2, 2024 - Huxley's Neue Welt (Berlin)

I’ve never seen Baroness live before this show. I actually expected them to headline the show, but they were the band in the middle. Oh well. 

The s.o. and I got there at the start. Pallbearer gave us a good reminder of why Paradise Lost had them as support back in the day - their doom sound was quite similar. Their set was too loud, though, the treble was piercing our ears too much.

Baroness came right after Pallbearer. They opened with Last Word from their latest Stone album. They were chilled and great, and the sound was better managed. We got only Seasons from Gold & Grey, what a shame. Their set was maybe a bit too short. One guy was crowdsurfing towards the end, it looked cool from the back.

We stayed a bit longer to check out Graveyard, but we were not impressed much so we left before the end... to get burgers. 😅 Turns out that Burgermeister opened right next to Huxley's. What an impeccable business decision.

Rating: 8/10

[marasmusicnotes]

Sleep Token 

Nov 22, 2024 - Velodrom (Berlin)

I looked forward to seeing Sleep Token, they’re a refreshing take on the pop metal, and I salute their sudden popularity, unlike my s.o. I was too lazy to go see them the year before, and regretted it a bit, so it was great to get a second chance. The s.o. was dragged along, of course.

The show once again kicked off before we got inside—Bilmuri, the support act, had already started before 8pm. I’m not a big fan of their music, but their energy was infectious. They had this great stage vibe that just felt fun. Gabi, the sax player and co-vocalist, celebrated her birthday on that day, and she completely stole the show as far as I’m concerned. Googling her later on, I found out that she also plays sax for the Jonas Brothers, how cool is that.

Then came Sleep Token—or at least, they were supposed to. The lights went down, the background music faded... and then, nothing. We stood there in the dark while the background music awkwardly came back on. Two heart-shaped balloons were tossed around by the crowd. Waiting… Whatever went wrong, they eventually pulled it together, and the show finally began with neatly, chronologically ordered material.

Since I’m more familiar with their last two albums, I was a bit bored at the beginning of the show. Also I didn’t see much. Why are people so tall these days? The stage setup was nice, with crisp, vibrant lighting, a catwalk, and a raising platform for the drummer. Backup singers also found their place on the left. Vessel wafted from his altair to the catwalk and back. At some point Atlantic started, marking the more interesting part of the show for me. It was followed by Hypnosis, which got me excited. 

Finally, Chokehold and The Summoning found their place. No Aqua Regia though. I guess Atlantic and Rain were enough for the "blue watery vibes" quota.

They closed with perfectly delivered Take Me Back To Eden and Euclid. The laser light show gave me déjà vu from London Grammar’s show not too long ago in the same venue. Vessel’s vocals are really stunning. We couldn’t help but wonder though—was he really playing the piano live? He’d hit the intro for a couple of songs, then be back at the catwalk, singing. Who knows.

All in all, it wasn’t perfect, but it was definitely a nice show.

Rating: 9/10 Better spots needed next time, I guess.

[marasmusicnotes]

Rokaj Festival

4-6 Jul, 2008 - Jarun (Zagreb)

I did not like this festival very much. Garage rock is not my crowd really. I can’t really remember why we went—probably because of some Croatian bands like Pips Chips & Videoclips. I vaguely remember seeing Dwarves and thinking to myself if I really needed this in my life. The festival was in a nice outdoor area, and I at least got to catch up with friends, that’s it.

Rating: N/A