The market for Americana in Germany is not large. Josh Rouse was telling me the other day that it isn’t worth his while to tour there because audiences, in contrast to other parts of Europe, are not big enough. But to the rescue has ridden a remarkable promoter with a stunning back-story called Dietmar Leibecke. It’s now the seventh year of the Static Roots Festival that has gradually built up in the Ruhr town of Oberhausen, to which flocks a faithful and knowledgeable audience, largely based on the community surrounding Kilkenny Roots in Ireland. Taking place indoors in a disused zinc factory and cultural hub, it’s a uniquely convivial event curated with meticulous skill and taste.
Friday kicked off with some pleasing melodic country rock with a Scandinavian twist from Norway’s Ole Kirkeng, climaxing with an apt new song called ‘Foreign Country Singer Blues’. From Portland Oregon, Jenny Don’t and the Spurs have an admirable apostrophe and a schizophrenic image. One half of the stage is Grand Ole Opry and the other half is the Ramones. The mutant country with attitude (they call it North Western Western) was exactly what the crowd required, as the ghost of Duane Eddy and his twang looked over their shoulder. The Norwegian contingent returned to the stage to back singer Louien in a mercifully less frantic set that epitomized the stunning contrasts that Static Roots can pull off. The ethereal nature of her music was perfect, the understated presence and relatable lyrics leading to a respectful and gripped silence in the audience.
Compère Jeff Robson reminded us that Chris Cacavas has played with both Green On Red and the Dream Syndicate. The appropriate word is seminal. Now resident in Germany and making a very rare appearance with a band, he revelled in the front man role, creating an authentic vibe that richly suited this audience, most of whom will have got their alt-country training through Green On Red. The loping beat and confident vocals show that, after some difficult times, Cacavas is back with a vengeance.
A certain amount of angst had been generated among the organisers by the stipulation in the Sadies’ contract that it was verboten to tell them to turn the volume down. With a back projection of the much-missed Dallas Good benignly watching over them, the trio hit the emotional button with their characteristic quick-fire segueways, infectious blasts of tunefulness and extended effects-filled spaghetti western guitar workouts. Huge responsibility now rests on the shoulders of Travis Good, who pulls it off with gritty aplomb. Is it the same band? No. Is it still a great band? Yes. They truly are unique.
Day two started with an amiable interview with Willy Vlautin, sensitively conducted by Americana expert Nick West of Bucketful Of Brains. As a bonus, The Delines’ genial bassist Freddy Trujillo also played a few of his touching new songs. In the main hall, the first Hammondesque sounds of the weekend wafted pleasantly behind deep-voiced troubadour Louis Brennan in front of an already poised crowd, bringing a hint of Nick Cave to the proceedings.
Accompanied by Dutch instrumental royalty in the form of BJ Baartmans, Suzie Ungerleider’s poignant and beautiful songs were a perfect mid-afternoon balm for the soul. More Canadian music followed with the upbeat anthems of David Newbould, highly accessible and professionally performed. Another David followed, causing a split in the audience between those viewing him an alternative Ed Sheeran and those who were deeply moved by his heartfelt songwriting. Me, I’m always impressed by artists who divide opinion – it means they aren’t bland.
To really grasp the heartstrings, Hannah White hit the stage at precisely the right moment. Hannah and husband Keiron Marshall are crucial players in the UK roots scene, truly inspiring people and honest musicians of real character and charm. ‘Car Crash’ was, against considerable challenge, by some distance the most moving song of the weekend. Tears flowed as Keiron, again in the face of massive competition, also produced the most thrilling guitar solo of the entire event. The audience wiped away their tears and united in thunderous applause.
Adding to this incredibly rich sequence of Static Roots was a simply delightful hour of The Delines (unbelievably already celebrating ten years as a band) who, despite widespread expectations, were not in the least depressing and allowed Amy Boone to take the coveted crown of vocalist of the weekend. The rumour is true – they have actually added a couple of upbeat songs to the set, but ‘My Blood Bleeds The Darkest Blue’ was still the most chillingly dark song of the entire festival. Seemingly mild-mannered, The Delines have more rock and roll attitude than the rowdiest death metal band.
Is it insulting to imagine that Austria is an unlikely source of quality country rock? No, because Prinz Grizzley and his Beargaroos, in another startling style change, brought the weekend to a perfect climax, his yearning voice, complete with a few hints of yodelling, suiting the genre perfectly.
Congratulations are due to the lovely Leibecke family for creating a festival that has none of the niggles that put you off such events: No clashes, no mud, no sound bleeding from stage to stage, no annoying talkers in the audience and a deeply knowledgeable approach to broad-minded curating of an event for connoisseurs and newcomers alike. And as a final note, again unlike many other festival organisers, profit is not the motive for all the hard work, because any leftover money goes to philanthropic causes. It is all truly heartwarming and very special.
A huge thanks to Birgit Gray who took all of the photos here
Great review Oliver
A glowing review of a sparkling musical weekend – Chris Cacavas was my highlight though every act shone. Good to see you again, Oliver.
A vivid reminder of this great festival. Thanks Oliver. I went last year. It sounds as though is going from strength to strength