Greenleaf & Earth Tongue, Munich
Feierwerk, 200 spectators
earth tongue
We saw the New Zealand duo three times in 2024, and somehow I just couldn't connect with their music. This time, I searched for patterns in my music library. I ended up thinking of B-52s, based on the vocals, stage presence, and Gussi's style, which is paired with hard, doomy riffs. Now I had a category and a certain connection, but just like before, I had the same feeling: I find a few of the band's songs musically interesting because they combine two contradictory styles. What this band lacks is the more active stage presence, like that of the Austrian band White Miles, which leads to interaction with the audience. With Earth Tongue, not only the music but also the frontwoman is too static. On the other hand, Gussi simply has too much of an aristocratic presence and charm to present practically the antithesis of rock 'n' roll. In that sense, the contrasts combine to form a harmonious overall impression.
greenleaf
The setlist, prominently displayed in front of the monitors, whetted the appetite for the upcoming concert right from the start. Greenleaf included four songs from their album "Trails and Passes": "Our Mother Ash," "Ocean Deep," "The Drum," and "Trails and Passes." But with this band, it doesn't really matter what's on the setlist; Greenleaf have been playing together for ten years and are perfectly in sync. The rhythm section, Hans on bass and Basse on drums, is incredibly tight, with both constantly playing fills over which Dan Tommi's monstrous guitar delivers one killer riff after another. And then Arvid, with his classically trained voice, sings over it all. So much for the music. Actually, there's a humorous group of comedians on stage, whether it's Arvid's announcements, Tommi's stage acting, Hans's constant grin, Sebastian's unique drumming style, combined with their interactions – it all just puts the audience in a good mood. And that's in addition to the absolutely tight and groovy songs, the perfect sound, and the lighting at Feierwerk. Yes, it was a perfect concert.