Well, this is it. Our very first birthday. On 25 September 2014 we kicked off this website with an extensive review of this amazing festival. This year we decided to make it a traditional thing. So here we are again, a year later and a new Incubate special. We got some interesting stuff coming up as well. Expect interviews with James Welburn, Vague, Veil Of Light and Radare in the coming weeks. But for now, I hope you enjoy this review as much as I enjoyed looking back on Incu15 and writing this.
 Beer tasting @Incubate |  Check out our t-shirt designs |
Disclaimer: if you're looking for reviews of the gigs at the Nature Theater, I have to disappoint you. The distance between the city centre and the Nature Theater made us decide to skip these events. Even with the special bus, we would miss too many other concerts. It broke my blackened stoner doom folk heart since I added bands like Ufomammut and Gg:Ull to my must-see list. Yet, we discovered so many great acts again so the pain is quite bearable.
Second disclaimer: Next year, I'll take my camera with me...
Second disclaimer: Next year, I'll take my camera with me...
Wednesday - arrival and absurdism
Every time I check in at the Mercure hotel a warm, almost nostalgic feeling overcomes me. My mind takes me back to the wonderful concerts I've seen in Tilburg and to the hospitality of the people in the city. This time that was no different. When we got to our room, I found a note. The writer apologized for a little issue with our booking a few months ago. The problem quickly and profesionally got resolved. So I'd like to give my compliments to the employee who solved this. Mignon, you did a great job. Thank you. Next year, we'll have a coffee together.
On to the music then, because after all, that's what we came here for. We already missed two days and I'm strongly thinking about going the entire week next year. I'll have to get in shape for that though, because Incubate is an exhausting experience. Our musical journey started by checking the bands we wanted to see that evening while enjoying our traditional first Incubate meal at KFC. We decided to take it easy that day, to warm up so to speak. And although our festival experience would involve loads of drones, guitars, drums and electronics, we started with something a little different.
On to the music then, because after all, that's what we came here for. We already missed two days and I'm strongly thinking about going the entire week next year. I'll have to get in shape for that though, because Incubate is an exhausting experience. Our musical journey started by checking the bands we wanted to see that evening while enjoying our traditional first Incubate meal at KFC. We decided to take it easy that day, to warm up so to speak. And although our festival experience would involve loads of drones, guitars, drums and electronics, we started with something a little different.
Vonk Vonk is not a band. It's an assembly of musicians and artists, mainly trained in classical music. For this performance they came up with an absurdistic piece of music and three experimental works. Although this was quite a bizarre experience, it was interesting to see people using their instruments in non conventional ways. This was the start of a journey through things unseen, that's for sure.
Then the tough decisions appeared. A number of bands would appear at the same moment in different venues, the classic Incubate headbreaker. We decided to go to Little Devil where Burn The Iris was about to begin. This Dutch band definitely kicked off our Incubate festival with their crushing blend of metal and post-hardcore. They're a young band but I can see them climbing big stages in the near future. Like many people in the audience I was fiercely nodding my head along with the music. Our first 'hell yeah' moment came early.
Of course, we kinda expected that moment to come soon. After all, Merzbow and Full Of Hell were already doing their thing at Midi. When we arrived, the harsh drones and shrieking noise were already demolishing people's hearing ability but nobody seemed to mind. This was an intense set, at least musically. Apart from five people staring at their equipment, there was little visual activity going on. Still, I enjoyed it for quite some time although I noticed that not many people were there.
Then the tough decisions appeared. A number of bands would appear at the same moment in different venues, the classic Incubate headbreaker. We decided to go to Little Devil where Burn The Iris was about to begin. This Dutch band definitely kicked off our Incubate festival with their crushing blend of metal and post-hardcore. They're a young band but I can see them climbing big stages in the near future. Like many people in the audience I was fiercely nodding my head along with the music. Our first 'hell yeah' moment came early.
Of course, we kinda expected that moment to come soon. After all, Merzbow and Full Of Hell were already doing their thing at Midi. When we arrived, the harsh drones and shrieking noise were already demolishing people's hearing ability but nobody seemed to mind. This was an intense set, at least musically. Apart from five people staring at their equipment, there was little visual activity going on. Still, I enjoyed it for quite some time although I noticed that not many people were there.
Merzbow & Full Of Hell
In Extase, Za! was about to begin. They arrived from the hallway, one playing trumpet and the other drumming on the floor. This would we be the intro to something quite chaotic, reminding me a bit of Black Dice but unfortunately the latter did it better. At Hall Of Fame, Radar Men From The Moon were already halfway through their set when we arrived. Besides, we were still a bit stunned by the smash-in-the-face we had witnessed at Midi. It was very dark and at that point it looked like there was no stage at Hall of Fame. Anyway, I didn't see a thing because of the crowd and the absence of light, but the mix of psychedelic rock and wall-of-noise sounded massive. I hope to see these guys in better conditions soon.
Setlist Cartographer Back at Little Devil we had the chance to see Cartographer finishing their set. This sounded awesome: post-rock, metal and psychedelic smashed into stunning pieces of music. I immediately regretted not having watched the entire show, but that's Incubate. Choices have to be made and Cartographer became one of those future-must-see bands. So I quickly bought their album and we hurried back to Midi.
Because there the almighty Melvins were already on stage. I'll first mention a strange thing that happened afterwards. On facebook I read a complaint about Melvins playing the exact same show two days in a row but a friend of mine told me they played different shows, only ending in the same way. However, I massively enjoyed this concert, regardless of what they had played the day before. I, who never had seen the Melvins before, stood there, stunned by these double drums, almost in extacy. Melvins rule and they were the absolute highlight of this Wednesday.
Because there the almighty Melvins were already on stage. I'll first mention a strange thing that happened afterwards. On facebook I read a complaint about Melvins playing the exact same show two days in a row but a friend of mine told me they played different shows, only ending in the same way. However, I massively enjoyed this concert, regardless of what they had played the day before. I, who never had seen the Melvins before, stood there, stunned by these double drums, almost in extacy. Melvins rule and they were the absolute highlight of this Wednesday.
Melvins
In fact, they knocked me off my feet so hard that Primitive Man fell victim. I love doom metal but Primitive Man didn't impress me. Somehow I have a feeling they will be back, but this was not the time for impressing me I guess. We headed back to the hotel to get some sleep and watched a little bit of Dutch tv. Since we're reviewing and are blessed by the complete absence of radio and tv in our life: people, tv is absolute crap these days.
Thursday - Indie and Irony
Youff After a few hours of shopping we headed back to the hotel for a little nap. Napping is good for you. When we overviewed the program, we couldn't really find anything that we absolutely wanted to see. So it looked like a good day for nice surprises. Youff was an early pleasant surprise, bouldering noise rock from Belgium with an immense energy. This blasted the sleep right out of my ears. By now I noticed that Hall Of Fame did have a stage after all but it was still pretty damn dark there. However, the wall-of-sound created by this duo was intense and such fun to witness.
With not really anything else to see, we went over to Cul De Sac where Vague was just beginning. Here we were, after all the noise we'd been exposed to, now listening to one of the most promising indie rock bands I've heard in years. This music was refreshing, well-structured and had some great vocals. See, this is exactly why I like going to Incubate. Bands like this make it always worthwhile. At Extase Spectres played a decent set of psychedelic noise rock. Yet, we were still quite impressed with Vague.
With not really anything else to see, we went over to Cul De Sac where Vague was just beginning. Here we were, after all the noise we'd been exposed to, now listening to one of the most promising indie rock bands I've heard in years. This music was refreshing, well-structured and had some great vocals. See, this is exactly why I like going to Incubate. Bands like this make it always worthwhile. At Extase Spectres played a decent set of psychedelic noise rock. Yet, we were still quite impressed with Vague.
Vague
That feeling didn't fade until we found ourselves in the middle of a crushing heavy jazz set, brought to us by Dead Neanderthals. It was monolithic, massive, monotone, mesmerizing and merciless. This trio directly set themselves into my top-10, even surpassing Melvins. We didn't see a the entire concert but more than enough for me to become a huge fan. I'm going to keep an eye on these guys from now on.
Dead Neanderthals
After Dead Neanderthals we finally met up with Sammy, my Im:Prod colleague. For a while we smoked, talked and laughed outside of the Midi venue, often including people who were passing by in the conversation. Never a dull moment with Sammy. This guys rocks. In fact, he rocks harder than The Shining did. I admit, I wasn't really fond of their 'blackjazz' but I wanted to see them do it live. However, after a while I had the feeling that I was watching just a decent metal show without anything special going on. Oh well, I don't think they will mind me walking out of the show.
It actually made me a bit upset about missing the Toner Low gig.
We ended the evening in the Midi, watching Plastician doing his dark thing. Once again, there wasn't a lot going on visually, but I really liked his music. So for a while, I parked my ass on one of the theater seats on the balcony, closed my eyes and let the music drift me away. For us, this was a good closer for this Thursday. Satisfied we went back to the hotel, wearing a brand new Dead Neanderthals t-shirt.
It actually made me a bit upset about missing the Toner Low gig.
We ended the evening in the Midi, watching Plastician doing his dark thing. Once again, there wasn't a lot going on visually, but I really liked his music. So for a while, I parked my ass on one of the theater seats on the balcony, closed my eyes and let the music drift me away. For us, this was a good closer for this Thursday. Satisfied we went back to the hotel, wearing a brand new Dead Neanderthals t-shirt.
Friday - Jazz and jokes
East India Youth We started the day at Hall Of Fame, where Yamantau was playing. Outside an impressive amount of food trucks we parked so we decided to eat something. The band didn't impress me but somehow I feel that this was a Hall Of Fame problem. Maybe it's too loud in there or maybe other issues cause this but up until now, no gig in that venue was very memorable. Neither was Zes by they way. This one-man electronic act was loved by many but seemed empty and soulless to me. When you use vocals, at least could you bring the vocalist with you on stage...?
This day was becoming quite disappointing, although the set by East India Youth was pretty entertaining. We decided that it was dinner time and by the time we got back, Daedalus was doing his thing at Midi. Once again it was pretty entertaining but not memorable. At this point I wished I had decided to go the Nature Theater after all. After a few minutes of Daedalus we went back to our hotel. While I checked the possibilities of taking the bus to Oisterwijk, my wife pointed towards a band which was about to begin at V39. She mentioned Bohren Und Der Club Of Gore from the booklet.
This day was becoming quite disappointing, although the set by East India Youth was pretty entertaining. We decided that it was dinner time and by the time we got back, Daedalus was doing his thing at Midi. Once again it was pretty entertaining but not memorable. At this point I wished I had decided to go the Nature Theater after all. After a few minutes of Daedalus we went back to our hotel. While I checked the possibilities of taking the bus to Oisterwijk, my wife pointed towards a band which was about to begin at V39. She mentioned Bohren Und Der Club Of Gore from the booklet.
Radare
So we hurried to the nice basement venue of V39 an immediately fell in love with the sounds Radare were making. I got goosebumps on my arms and even tears in my eyes while I was listening to this brilliant mix of dark jazz and post-rock. Suddenly I definitely realised where I was: my home away from home, indulging myself in some of the best musical experiences in the world. Not many people witnessed Radare climbing to my very top of Incu15 thus far, but they certainly did.
Fennesz and King Midas Sound also impressed a bit, but mostly because of the volume. It was an extremely loud set, droning through the Midi like a freight train on full speed. I don't know why it had to be that loud. It didn't add anything to the music, which was already pretty cool in the first place.
But it got better, at least musically. At Paradox Rapoon seemed to be the first act playing in a venue filled to capacity. I hadn't seen a full venue at Incubate up til then, and I was wondering why that was. I still am. Anyway, Rapoon was great, as Rapoon will always be great. His music has been playing in this household a lot of times in the past few years. We witnessed the gig from around the corner so we didn't see a thing but boy, did we enjoy what we heard.
But it got better, at least musically. At Paradox Rapoon seemed to be the first act playing in a venue filled to capacity. I hadn't seen a full venue at Incubate up til then, and I was wondering why that was. I still am. Anyway, Rapoon was great, as Rapoon will always be great. His music has been playing in this household a lot of times in the past few years. We witnessed the gig from around the corner so we didn't see a thing but boy, did we enjoy what we heard.
 Rapoon |  Official Merchants Of Air stickers, now available |
Suddenly we realised that Belgian Asociality was playing at Little Devil. Since I can enjoy Rapoon in a similar way at home than at Paradox, we walked to Tilburg's famous metal bar to see it packed to capacity. See, Belgian bands can fill venues. The gig was great fun, but a bit too crowded. Yet, that's always the case with Belgian Asociality. They deliver, period. We also met Sammy again and together we thought it would be a good idea to go see some black metal after all.
The black metal band was Sun Worship, playing at V39. We only saw a few minutes at the end of their gig but it was enough to be approved. I'd like to see them again, these guys sound talented. We walked back to Midi to watch an EBM icon but we stopped outside of Dudok for a few minutes to listen to Converge. Now, I'm not really a hardcore fan so they didn't get my full attention. Yet, I think it's like Melvins or Belgian Asociality. If you like the music, you're always in for a good time at concerts. These guys just deliver bigtime, always.
The black metal band was Sun Worship, playing at V39. We only saw a few minutes at the end of their gig but it was enough to be approved. I'd like to see them again, these guys sound talented. We walked back to Midi to watch an EBM icon but we stopped outside of Dudok for a few minutes to listen to Converge. Now, I'm not really a hardcore fan so they didn't get my full attention. Yet, I think it's like Melvins or Belgian Asociality. If you like the music, you're always in for a good time at concerts. These guys just deliver bigtime, always.
At Midi, Samuel Kerridge was turning techno into absolute chaos. I can't decide whether I liked it or not so I'm not going further into that gig. Immediately after, Esplendor Geometrico was turning chaos into techno, or noise into EBM for that matter. Now, I like rhythmyc noise and I enjoyed this set for quite a while. However, when Arturo Lanz began singing I suddenly had another Das Ich flashback.
I have to explain that. Years ago, I watched Das Ich, a band I loved back in my goth days. However, while watching them, I realised I was watching an unintenional parody of what Das Ich once was. The whole looked silly, a bit sad even. I quickly went home that night, just like I quickly decided to leave Esplendor Geometrico where they belong, as the glorious pioneers of rhythmic noise. The 'wakka-wakka' vocals didn't destroy that image but more of that might have so we went back to our hotel. I fell asleep with the sounds of Radare stuck in my head. For the first night, I slept like a baby.
I have to explain that. Years ago, I watched Das Ich, a band I loved back in my goth days. However, while watching them, I realised I was watching an unintenional parody of what Das Ich once was. The whole looked silly, a bit sad even. I quickly went home that night, just like I quickly decided to leave Esplendor Geometrico where they belong, as the glorious pioneers of rhythmic noise. The 'wakka-wakka' vocals didn't destroy that image but more of that might have so we went back to our hotel. I fell asleep with the sounds of Radare stuck in my head. For the first night, I slept like a baby.
Saturday - Bikes and beats
poffertjes Buying bikes was not something we planned for this edition of Incubate but somehow it happened. They're folding bikes, bought because they can be safely stored in our basement and easily taken with us when we go somewhere by train. We drove them to the Warande park and had a walk in the beautiful woods and ate some delicious 'poffertjes'.. At one point we watched a gigantic, beautiful bird of prey leaping from branch to branch and flying through the trees. I think it was some sort of owl or maybe a huge buzzard. Yes, it was awesome. I love nature.
Anyway, we started our IncuSaturday at Dudok where Tarwater was about to begin. For some reason Tarwater never really did it for me on CD and, although it wasn't bad at all, here too I never felt that click. The music was fine but I wasn't very fond of the vocals. Maybe that's why I love To Rococo Rot more, who knows. So we decided to head over to the food trucks near Hall Of Fame because we had to be there anyway.
Anyway, we started our IncuSaturday at Dudok where Tarwater was about to begin. For some reason Tarwater never really did it for me on CD and, although it wasn't bad at all, here too I never felt that click. The music was fine but I wasn't very fond of the vocals. Maybe that's why I love To Rococo Rot more, who knows. So we decided to head over to the food trucks near Hall Of Fame because we had to be there anyway.
The Mary Hart Attack Why? Well, to see The Mary Hart Attack and indulge ourselves in their massive wall of shoegaze-noise. Again the sound at Hall Of Fame wasn't very good, focusing more on volume than on quality. The result was a gig with plenty of screaching feedback but a blast anyway. These young Belgians played their songs with a lot of energy and a lot of intensity, in almost pitch blackness. Great set.
At Midi, Outfit had already begun when we arrived. I, not knowing this band, expected post-punk but received a sudden overdose of synthpop, not bad but not really my thing. We stayed for a few songs before returning to Hall Of Fame to see what all the fuzz about Tau is all about. The fuzz was right, this hippy-duo brought us of the most pleasant surprises with their acoustic trance folk, somewhere between Ozric Tentacles and Master Musicians Of Bukkake in an acoustic setting. This was promising to become a very good day.
At Midi, Outfit had already begun when we arrived. I, not knowing this band, expected post-punk but received a sudden overdose of synthpop, not bad but not really my thing. We stayed for a few songs before returning to Hall Of Fame to see what all the fuzz about Tau is all about. The fuzz was right, this hippy-duo brought us of the most pleasant surprises with their acoustic trance folk, somewhere between Ozric Tentacles and Master Musicians Of Bukkake in an acoustic setting. This was promising to become a very good day.
Monophona We took our bikes to go to the Harmonie venue for the first, and only, time. For a while we enjoyed the beautiful venue and a cold beer, until the crowd started coming in. Shortly after, we found ourselves witnessing a brilliant performance by Monophona. I've always loved their music and live they show a sweetness I hadn't seen on Incubate this year. When Claudine introduced a song about love that never comes, someone in the crowd yelled "You're still young". It made me smile, hell, it made everybody smile and from then on an intimate performance gave almost everyone goosebumps.
Not far away, James Welburn was about to start his glorious entry at Incu15. Due to circumstances we could only see half of his show at the Paradox venue, but words cannot describe how great it felt to hear the awesome 'Hold' album being brought live. James' combination of layers of bass-drones and live drums certainly surprised the Paradox people (who are used to jazz) but Welburn did convince all of them with his highly impressive set. But James wasn't done there...
Maybe it was fatigue or maybe it was a stubborn cold coming up but suddenly we weren't feeling that well. We decided to call it a day, because the next day would become quite a busy one. However, I went to see one more act that evening, namely Veil Of Light and that was another highlight on this already packed edition. Veil Of Light came up with the darkest piece of rock music I've heard at Incubate since The KVB, inspired by bands like Sisters Of Mercy to Diary Of Dreams. Man, it was good to dwell in this goth-gaze again.
Not far away, James Welburn was about to start his glorious entry at Incu15. Due to circumstances we could only see half of his show at the Paradox venue, but words cannot describe how great it felt to hear the awesome 'Hold' album being brought live. James' combination of layers of bass-drones and live drums certainly surprised the Paradox people (who are used to jazz) but Welburn did convince all of them with his highly impressive set. But James wasn't done there...
Maybe it was fatigue or maybe it was a stubborn cold coming up but suddenly we weren't feeling that well. We decided to call it a day, because the next day would become quite a busy one. However, I went to see one more act that evening, namely Veil Of Light and that was another highlight on this already packed edition. Veil Of Light came up with the darkest piece of rock music I've heard at Incubate since The KVB, inspired by bands like Sisters Of Mercy to Diary Of Dreams. Man, it was good to dwell in this goth-gaze again.
Sunday - Highlights and homesickness
Breakfast and games at Lokaal 7 Luckily on Sunday we were feeling a little better. It was not a flu. Our first appointment of the day would be with James Welburn for a little interview that eventually lasted for quite some time. He told me they had been improvising the final piece of their performance the day before and that it was a blast. He also said other things but you'll read that in the upcoming interview. When we got back at the Paradox, we saw a little bit of Vök's performance. Too bad we didn't see more because their indie rock sounded quite catchy.
Barchan
Soon after, mr. Welburn climbed on stage again, only to solidify his spot as the absolute winner of Incubate 2015. Along with Tomas on drums, Welburn smashed every doubt that listeners could still have about his capabilities. Barchan effortlessly combined massive drones with jazz drums, much to the delight of the jazz fans at the Paradox. This gig was the most impressive of all and even James seemed surprised that it went so good. James won Incubate, who would have thought that.
Björn told me to go see No Joy and we did, but not for very long. Although I quite like shoegaze and have enjoyed the songs of No Joy before, I was still a bit mesmerized by the immersive concert of Barchan. So we went back to the Paradox venue to congratulate him on his victory. We met him and Tomas in front of the venue, talking to a very proud Wim from Silken Tofu who released the Barchan album 'Soliton'. I functioned as a sun block for Tomas for a while, which was a job well done.
Björn told me to go see No Joy and we did, but not for very long. Although I quite like shoegaze and have enjoyed the songs of No Joy before, I was still a bit mesmerized by the immersive concert of Barchan. So we went back to the Paradox venue to congratulate him on his victory. We met him and Tomas in front of the venue, talking to a very proud Wim from Silken Tofu who released the Barchan album 'Soliton'. I functioned as a sun block for Tomas for a while, which was a job well done.
No Joy Another job well done was the performance by IIVII, although he seemed to have some trouble with his equipment. Josh, the man behind the act, later told me one of his keyboards wasn't working. It didn't seem to damage the concert though. His spacey dark ambient floated beautifully through the venue, much to the delight of a packed Paradox.
At Midi we watched a part of Tomaga's act, including a wok-pan attached to the drums. It reminded me a bit of Barchan earlier because of the compeltely free form of making music. It was a great set, that's for sure and so was Noveller, also at the Midi. Once again blasting drones and soundscapes through the speaker, Noveller was suggested as one of the highlights of Incubate. I wouldn't really say that actually. It was very nice to hear, and watch, this but sorry, Barchan had won.
At Midi we watched a part of Tomaga's act, including a wok-pan attached to the drums. It reminded me a bit of Barchan earlier because of the compeltely free form of making music. It was a great set, that's for sure and so was Noveller, also at the Midi. Once again blasting drones and soundscapes through the speaker, Noveller was suggested as one of the highlights of Incubate. I wouldn't really say that actually. It was very nice to hear, and watch, this but sorry, Barchan had won.
 Noveller |  |
In between we checked out Afework Nigussie, who was invited by Dutch legends The Ex. I don't understand what the spoken-word act before the performances by Afework and The Ex was doing there but maybe that's because I don't get poetry or whatever he was doing. I did however enjoy the African folk music for a while and later on I also enjoyed The Ex. Their energetic mix of rock, folk and punk seems to be a massive success in the Netherlands and with good reason. These guys can still set a venue on fire.
Wire didn't. Once again, a legend disappointed. Well, that's not really true. They didn't really disappoint, I just have never really been a Wire fan for some reason. Besides, they suffered some technical issues and the sound was just way too loud for this jangly kind of music. So we left them behind to look for a solid grand finale for Incu15 and we found that one in The Black Heart Rebellion. Their post-hardcore blasted through the speakers at the small Little Devil venue and grabbed everyone by the throat. It's been a while, but these guys are back in full force and with a massive attitude.
Wire didn't. Once again, a legend disappointed. Well, that's not really true. They didn't really disappoint, I just have never really been a Wire fan for some reason. Besides, they suffered some technical issues and the sound was just way too loud for this jangly kind of music. So we left them behind to look for a solid grand finale for Incu15 and we found that one in The Black Heart Rebellion. Their post-hardcore blasted through the speakers at the small Little Devil venue and grabbed everyone by the throat. It's been a while, but these guys are back in full force and with a massive attitude.
Wire
Monday - Goodbye and good work
Early morning, just after nine o' clock. We said goodbye to Tilburg and to another great edition of Incubate. In all, I'm very pleased with what we heard and saw at Incubate but I'm not going to say that it was the best edition ever. I missed too many acts and there seemed be be a lot of technical difficulties. Yet, I know that it's hard to be the best ever, each year in a row and nobody expects that. All we Incubaters want is have a splendid time and in that, the organisation obviously succeeded.
If all goes well, we will be back next year and we will once again write a huge review about the festival. I think it's quite impossible to write a 'little review' about Incubate, at least not when you want to enjoy the festival at it's fullest.
To end: here is my top-10
1. Barchan
2. Radare
3. Dead Neanderthals
4. James Welburn
5. The Mary Hart Attack
6. Monophona
7. Rapoon
8. IIVII
9. Vague
10. Tau
Serge
If all goes well, we will be back next year and we will once again write a huge review about the festival. I think it's quite impossible to write a 'little review' about Incubate, at least not when you want to enjoy the festival at it's fullest.
To end: here is my top-10
1. Barchan
2. Radare
3. Dead Neanderthals
4. James Welburn
5. The Mary Hart Attack
6. Monophona
7. Rapoon
8. IIVII
9. Vague
10. Tau
Serge
