De Wolff/ Silveroller
Voodoo Rooms Edinburgh
14th March 2024
As the doors of the ornate and intimate Voodoo Rooms swung open on a wet crisp and dreich Edinburgh March evening, music enthusiasts flooded into the venue, eagerly anticipating the sonic journey promised by Dutch rock sensation De Wolff and UK blues rockers Silveroller who served up a wonderful performance, complementing differing shades of musical tones.
Words & Pictures: Colin Campbell
Silveroller took to the stage with a swagger and altogether 70’s retro look, taking this reviewer back to watching bands like the Faces. This five-piece band came here to party and they certainly put on a mesmerising show, as an aperitif for the main act, they held their own throughout the six-song set, mixing differing musical styles all inspired by the charismatic frontman Jonnie Hodson who along with guitarist Aaron Keylock, kept the crowd rapt and entertained. Black Crow was the first tune, full-on groove, enthusiastic vocal delivery, and great rhythm throughout. Troubles Follow Me had funk, slide guitar notes and pounding Hammond playing provided by Ross Munro. Ways Of Saying slowed the pace down with a bluesy vibe to open but then they got their groove with anthemic aplomb.
Otherside had shades of Aerosmith to the vocals and arrangement, but the band really rocked out on this bringing the tempo to boiling point, good harmonies as well. Come On, Come In, was full of slow bluesy vibes and full of emotion and bringing a great crescendo to the ending. Final tune, Hold was full of heavy chugging Hammond organ with rhythm section adding that magical factor and Jonnie letting rip with the vocals, lots of influences here progressive style and full of energy, a wonderful opening act. Hard rocking soul infused tunes, a superb stage set.
Hailing from the Netherlands, De Wolff have been making waves in the international music scene with their electrifying performances and dynamic blend of rock, blues, and psychedelia. This setting was the perfect backdrop for what promised to be an unforgettable night of raw energy and musical prowess. This was the band’s first UK headline tour, and this was the second night. The air was thick with anticipation as the crowd settled into the venue, buzzing with excitement and the glitter ball shone throughout catching the full effect of glitz and glamour, this band has a fashion statement as well as their musical compositions, all with a 70’s vibe a theme for the evening. Conversations hummed with excitement, laughter, and a buzz of expectation. The stage, adorned with a myriad of instruments and amplifiers and especially the imposing Hammond organ, stood as a beacon of promise, ready to host the sonic onslaught that was about to unfold.
As the lights dimmed and the crowd erupted into cheers, De Wolff took to the stage with an electrifying presence. Frontman Pablo van de Poel commanded attention from the first note, his gritty vocals soaring over the intricate tapestry of sound woven by his bandmates, brother Luka van de Poel on drums and Robin Piso on that Hammond organ, he provided the bass tones playing with his left hand whilst seamlessly hammering out the rhythm with his right hand, a magician of the keyboard. The chemistry between the three musicians was palpable, each feeding off the other’s energy as they delved into a sonic odyssey that spanned genres and defies categorisation. This is live music as it should be.
From the blistering first chords of the first song Night Train to the soulful grooves and rhythm of Heart Stomping Kind A Show, De Wolff captivated the audience with their virtuosity and passion and there was crowd participation throughout. The venue reverberated with the pulsating rhythms and searing guitar solos. Each song was a journey into itself, with the band seamlessly transitioning between moments of frenetic energy and soul-stirring introspection and just overall enjoyment and a connection with the audience. Toning the vibe down on Will O’ The Wisp then cranking the pace on Tired Of Loving You with bluesy tones. Double Crossing Man took a twist of psychedelic tones with the crowd responding to the anthemic lyrics “I know your heart is burning,” This band’s stagecraft is bewildering and what a tight group they are, a trio sounding like a sonic symphonic orchestra at times.
Other highlights of the night included the anthemic Treasure City Moonchild and the epic encore Rosita which saw the band reaching new heights of sonic ecstasy. As the final chords faded into the ether, the crowd erupted into thunderous applause, a testament to the undeniable talent and charisma of De Wolff.
In an age where live music has become increasingly commodified, De Wolff reminds us of the transformative power of a truly electrifying performance. Their show at The Voodoo Rooms was not just a concert, but a communal celebration of music in its purest form. As the crowd spilled out into the night, buzzing with adrenaline and euphoria, it was clear that De Wolff had left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all who bore witness to their sonic spectacle. A band you should catch in an intimate setting, young vibrant, a trio of wonderful musicians. An unforgettable night, an exceptional performance, dynamic, derivative spellbinding this band has it all.
