Backgammon
With Neil Young and Tom Petty as primary influences, the self-titled debut by Backgammon reveals a rich, varied album of straight-ahead rockers and acoustic pieces. Culling four pieces from that album, the band now takes up residence in a 500 year old Dutch chapel to record the songs live and acoustic. As a result, we receive a simply lovely album that utilizes grand piano instead of electric guitar, adorns with harmonica and utilizes the natural acoustics of the building.
While more somber and mellow, the songs seem to have found a proper setting, even when they rock out a bit on “Strangers”. The band seems like they are more comfortable and at ease on performances like “Stand In Line”. The emotional vocals and mournful harmonica seem evoke a sense of resignation and calm. Bringing forward the warm sounds of the piano and acoustic guitar, the production succeeds on the track “Wondering”, sounding like a Neil Young acoustic set. Performances of “After The Gold Rush” come to mind while listening to this EP.
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“PLAY IT FUCKING LOUD” IS WHAT BOB DYLAN SAID TO HIS BAND 50 YEARS AGO.
Backgammon follows. With this motto, the Dutch band has been playing rock songs that turn all faces towards the stage for over 5 years.
Backgammon breaths new life into classic rock in a unique fashion. Neil Young, Tom Petty and the Gallagher brothers are their big inspirations. While the Gallagher- formula got a big upgrade in the Netherlands though, brothers Thijs and Pim van der Meulen come out unscratched.
With close to 150 shows in the past two years, the band has gained experience quickly. In the summer of 2015, Backgammon was embraced by audiences in the UK and Belgium. Consequently, the highlight of the year took place in The Netherlands. The band reached the finals of ‘De Grote Prijs van Nederland’. They started the year with a show in the main hall of Paradiso, Amsterdam. Finally, in the fall of 2016, Backgammon grew to the #9 most booked band out of 138 acts.
After releasing two EP’s, they collaborated with producer Martijn Groeneveld (John Coffey, Dotan) from studio Mailmen to record the Backgammon debut album. Subsequently, the self-titled album was released in Paradiso, Amsterdam on February 10th.
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