Von Hertzen Brothers
Way back in the high-days of prog-rock history – the crowds at “Yes”concerts always used to roar with excitement when the band finally played “Roundabout” from their ‘Fragile’ album. I have always been struck by the fact that those dedicated progressive rock fans may well have enjoyed all of the fancy concepts, the de-constructed metaphors, the spiritual transformations and the stunning virtuosity of the musicians … but what they really came for was some good old fashioned rock ‘n’ roll. That is probably why “Roundabout” is still the most beloved song from the “Yes” songbook.
And that’s also why I admire the Von Hertzen Brothers too. They just love to go wild. Sometimes, all they want to do is to play us some loud rock ‘n’ roll. And sometimes that’s just what we want to hear.
This tour was advertised as a “Double Header” – it meant that the two bands ‘took turns’ to headline each night. When we saw the show at the superb Robin 2 venue in Bilston, West Midlands, it was VHB’s turn to kick things off . Straight away the band went into their (second best known) song “Insomniac.” It has those crunchy gravel chords and the characteristic torsion from lead guitar. Immediately, in this song, we are presented with those immaculate VHB vocal harmonies. It is a lustrous song.
‘Coming Home’ came next. With those pounding drums (from the ‘other’ Mikko) and some fierce guitars from penetrating beardy-face Kie von Hertzen. All the brothers tend to move around the stage. At one point lanky Miko and ‘dark horse’ Jonne put down their guitars. Kie had already positioned himself in front of a drum. But then, each-and-every member of the band started to beat drums – they had been left around the stage in strategic positions. It was amazing rock showmanship.
Of course “Flowers and Rust” reaped generous applause. “You could actually know this one …” said Mikko Von Hertzen sardonically. And for those members of the audience who had never seen or heard of VHB before – this song was the clincher . “Wow, you’re good ,” I heard one girl in a Touchstone T-shirt scream out to the stage.
‘Let Thy Will Be Done’ is slightly more scurrilous than everything that had gone before. A ratty rag-tag collection of cat-scratch guitars and rapid percussive beats. This wallowing – almost monastic – song had chanted vocals that were as pious as they were fascinating. It was a phenomenal song. And a memorable performance
Touchstone
I do not know if it was “last night nerves“ or the fact that the show was being filmed – (there were about five videographers on stage at some points ) but the Touchstone performance started out shakily.
Kim failed to hit quite a few notes – especially in the early part of the show – and Moo’s bass seemed to be playing tunes all of it’s own. And what was all that with the special intro music? The audience had to wait 10 minutes for the loop to work. How’s this for an idea? If the pre-recorded music doesn’t work the first time you try it … then give up and go out and play the ruddy thing! Some wag in the audience shouted jest fully : “Have you tried turning it off and on again ?” This cheered people up long enough to allow the slow hand clap to decrease.
And, I’m sorry Touchstone, but ‘Flux’ from ‘Oceans of Time’ is not a great show opener. It’s too sad and complicated. And after the splendour of the VHB songs – it seemed dismal in comparison. The follow-up ‘Corridors’ was at least an audience favourite. And by ‘Fragments’ from the new album – things started to buck -up for the band. The crowd got moving. The notes fell into place. And Kim began to smile.
With ‘Solace’ the band managed to take control – and many of their previous inconsistencies were forgotten. This song always reminded us of “Come Away Melinda” from the 1970 Uriah Heep album ‘Very ‘Eavy …Very ‘Umble’. It is a song of such tender sadness that it leaks into your fortitude and causes a moan deep in your heart. The new version of ‘Solace’ is now even moodier and smokier than it was before. The song hides a deep sense of foreboding deep within its folds.
‘Strange Days’ from the Wintercoast album has a unique acidity. It also has those sighing water-coloured key-stroke palisades. It’s a song of silvery wonder and pastoral vividness.
‘Oceans Of Time’ is a superb album and and Touchstone usually play with eloquence and passion. At the Robin 2, some of the jagged edges and frayed seams were exposed. But the core audience – the Touchstone aficionados – went home happy.
Photos & Review by Neil Mach
