Another DIY show at the Pretty Vacant HQ, this time with a young band from south of Hamburg and Tanju with his Racoonery, they missed the bill at the first one due to Covid.
Büller Bü from Schneverdingen kicked off the early evening and it was their first show. Ever. And then facing largely – next to a home town contingent – a bunch of old farts that have seen it all. Twice. But luckily the Pretty Vacant HQ is all about low key, all about DIY and a chance for everybody.
Else there would have never been a Krawall 2000.
Büller Bü (Pretty Vacant HQ, Hamburg, 28.09.2024 (c) gehkacken.de 2024)
For me they still have a long way to go, the drummer seemed more a liability than an asset and by and large they have not found their sound, their unique whatever that glues them together. Some of the songs did not work at all for me, some had actually well crafted elements (and worked best when i had my eyes closed).
Not a surprise to the expert lot was their sole cover song, their name somewhat gave away that they have a liking for Hüsker Dü. They got friendly applause and support and i guess they where happy to have mastered the first ever gig.
Next Tan LeRacoon & Racoonery, Tanju’s current vehicle for music. Some of my friends have been full of praise but also noted that it may not be down my mu-sick-al alley. But as the Racoonery is made up half by people i have trusted in the past, when it came to music, the venture did have some credit with me.
Tan LeRacoon & Racoonery (Pretty Vacant HQ, Hamburg, 28.09.2024 (c) gehkacken.de 2024)
What did i get? First and foremost Tanju, dressed like a Gentlemen that has fallen out of time, taking the lead. And Rudi, Michael and Malte as expert addition towards the creation of something that is indeed slightly different.
The internet has it down like:
[Tan]...was was called Gothic Soul, Glam Dub, weird indie folk, psychedelic freestyle, baroque pop, a total piece of art, a punk rock Van Morrison. Tan would contradict it all. He is long enough in the game to know old school power pop to electronica, young enough to still have the urge and hunger to go out there and create something new. And and on top this incarnation of the Recoonery has the sound much more bare bone, edgy and Rock'n'Roll (of the NYC dirty side), much more Power Pop and less Folk (though it still carries the more silent elements).
How did it sound? It sounded like this:
Within the set they also had a veritable hit: A steady single strong chord played by the band on top of a steady mechanical drumming – stretched out “forever” to allow Tanju to venture back/forth/up/down.
That was a cool one (and damn, forgot to ask what the name of the song was). It sounded a wee bit like this old beauty out of Dutchistan:
Ivy Green is considered to be one of the very first Dutch punk bands. Singer Tim Mullens wrote the song “I’m sure we’re gonna make it (Wap Shoo Wap)” in 1972. At the time he was only 14 years old. Living in the small town of Hazerswoude-Dorp he unknowingly created a proto-punk masterpiece using just one guitar chord (and a half). It fitted the band perfectly and if it was a nod off the Ivy Green song than hats off to Tanju for the idea and delivery (and the sole Dutchie in the audience loved it!).
Tan LeRacoon & Racoonery (Pretty Vacant HQ, Hamburg, 28.09.2024 (c) gehkacken.de 2024)
At the end Tanju closed the set with a very personal, very heartbreaking song for a fellow old punk from Hamburg about to loose a long health battle. As many in audience know him, the chorus was carried on by the lot.
Whilst ending somewhat on a sad moment, it was another super friendly DIY showcase, another worthy effort that Eugen (congrats, Granddad) and Mike put together. Thanks for your efforts, outside the beaten track.
Whilst some scooted over to the Hafenklang for more live mu-sick, i scooted home to have a final sundowner on the surprising away win of the mighty FCSP.
All together – a grand day!
