Quirky and cinematic dreampop. This is how HAEVN's music is often described. Last year, GW spoke to Jorrit Kleijnen and Marijn van der Meer about their then upcoming intimate theatre tour and they described their music: "As a kind of multi-faceted musical journey. A canvas to let the thoughts go further than they normally go and take you out of the here and now. A soundtrack for a distant thought journey." On Wednesday 13 November, they were at a sold-out Oosterpoort in Groningen for their European Wide Awake Tour.
Text & photography: Annika Hoogeveen
With me, the rest of the audience enjoys their unique sound; warm indie-pop combined with sonic tones and ethereal vocals. The impressive lighting effects also compliment the atmosphere. Indeed, it results in a special concert experience. Where most music whips you up and adrenaline peaks, HAEVN carries you away. Beautiful, soft music and clear vocals create an almost hypnotic effect at times.
With dreamy strings and gospel (G-Roots Gospel Choir). A sense of calm and relaxation. Jorrit therefore mentions during the concert that it is a privilege to play peaceful music in a hectic time.
HAEVN indicated in our 2023 interview that the concerts in Groningen are always memorable, that the audience is warm and the performance, like in Utrecht, feels a touch more intense. That interaction they experience with the audience was palpable again on Wednesday. There is a kind of mutual respect and appreciation. Personal anecdotes and stories complete the picture. Groningen had two premieres this evening: a song the band had written for the short film Ma mère et moi Was played on stage for the first time. Fine instrumental composition. Furthermore, Lily Meola (support act) sang the beautiful Till the Morning.
The entire new album Wide Awake was played. A fine and organic transition and variation during the concert was the performance by/with Neco Novellas with Trade it For The Night and Great Mother. Shaking things up slightly, yet it fit seamlessly with the rest of the concert. The musicians also came out from behind their instruments towards the end of the concert to perform a song side by side. What was obviously not to be missed were the well-known hits like Finding Out More and Where the Heart is. These were sung along at the top of their voices while the audience present gently moved along to the music.
Marijn and Jorrit - HAEVN - know how to tell stories. Touch of vulnerability and melancholy. An enchanting concert experience where you leave the hall feeling calm, warm and happy to face the autumn and hectic world outside again.
HAEVN Wide Awake Tour can be seen in various European cities until 24 February 2025.
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