Dutch band DeWolff have done impressive things since forming in 2007. Indeed, by the end of 2008, they had won a national music competition and signed a record deal. They’ve since put out a handful of releases that have all charted well in Europe.
Their home success has lead to a certain amount of buzz in Australia for the trio. They’ve played in various European countries (and have been received well), but this is the first time they’ve landed on our shores and performed here.
But while DeWolff warmed up to debut at the Workers Club, local band City vs Country provided a bit of support.
Melbourne boys City vs Country crowded the stage with seven members (including three guitarists, one of them acoustic). Perhaps that amount was a little extravagant – the Workers Club stage was barely big enough to fit them all, and at times it looked like they were going to crash into each other. Regardless, they put on a cracking, fast-paced show, even with the early crowd being fairly small.
Their banter was a bit awkward (remember, kids: never, ever, ever talk about the weather unless a hurricane has actually blown your house away, a la Wizard of Oz), but the audience listened politely, if a bit unenthusiastically, and made mildly appreciative noises at the end of each song.
If you’re not sure where the name City vs Country comes from, it all becomes clear when they play a few songs. They have some distinctly country riffs in their music, but also have songs with lyrics and melodies that are positively pop-punk.
Finally, DeWolff arrived to kick off their set explosively. The youthful-looking Dutch trio were not ones to do things by halves, and definitely knew how to please an audience.
Their brand of ‘60s and ‘70s psychedelic blues-rock is riotous and grooving, and live they manage to provide a rich, full sound with only three members. By the end of the first song, most of the crowd found themselves happily bopping along. They don’t have a huge back catalogue, but their big singles “Voodoo Mademoiselle” and “Crumbling Heart” were definitely popular with the audience.
It’s a challenge to pinpoint the exact quality that makes the band so infectiously exciting. Perhaps it’s their energetic, memorable melodies, or vocalist Pablo van de Poel’s soulful intensity. Or just the way they seem to channel the spirit of rock’n’roll into their guitars, percussion, and voices.
Whatever it is, it works, and the Workers Club crowd loved it, especially when the band spontaneously burst into a ridiculously awesome three-minute shredding session.
A long way from the Netherlands, DeWolff have shown they have the ability to fly halfway around the world and kick ass wherever they go. Kudos, DeWolff. Kudos.
