Is it folk, or anti-folk, who knows? But however you want to define their music, they are definitely worth a look, says Elspeth Waters
French artists rarely make the headlines on the UK music scene but post- or anti-folk band Herman Düne might just change that. Quite what post-folk means, is hard to say… “punk rock meets old-school folk” seems to be a popular definition, but not particularly helpful in describing the actual sound. The band bills itself as surf/folk/grunge on myspace, asserting influences spanning from Bob Dylan and The Velvet Underground to lesser-known (but fabulous, trust me) songstress Cat Power. Strictly speaking, they are not solely French, with roots in Sweden and New York (and Israel, judging by appearances and the frequent references to Judaism) as well. The result is definitely interesting and possibly brilliant. Like Dylan and his folky contemporaries, the songs are at times starkly political and at times about love and all the usual stuff.
A family outfit, Herman Düne brothers David-Ivar, aka Ya Ya, (lead singer, bassist and mean guitarist), and Neman (drums and percussion) assemble from their various countries of residence, with “the Angels” – backing singers, which include sister Lisa and the New York Baby Skins, to tour and record. With some members unable to appear on all occasions, other musicians seem to lend their support as required, making each live performance a unique experience. A frequent feature of the late John Peel’s sessions, the band demonstrated it is clearly a favourite with the London kids last week, many of whom couldn’t resist belting out the bits of songs they knew at a packed out Kings College Students Union on Wednesday night.
David-Ivar is Herman Düne’s immediate selling point. Watching him perform is like being in the presence of some kind of religious leader. He actually looks a lot like the archetypal Jesus figure – lithe, olive-tanned skin, bushy beard, and totally non-threatening in a faintly sparkling lumberjack shirt, cropped waistcoat, fitted cream jeans and black canvas lace-ups, complete with friendship bracelets and a golden heart-shaped locket. There is no ego here; no Johnny Borrell (Razorlight lead singer) arrogance; and as he strums his miniature guitar, singing a simple but darkly humorous story of Samuel the Jew and his illicit love affair with a minor, it suddenly hits me. David-Ivar is Cat Stevens for the noughties – both in style and demeanour. He doesn’t get overly excited or raise his voice much at all; there’s no need, the audience hangs off his every meek, and sometimes incomprehensible, word, mesmerised by his raw vocals and teeny tiny guitar. The rest of the band more than supports him, though. The Angels’ falsetto harmonies compliment perfectly and Neman’s expansive percussion skills are equally awe-inspiring.
Much of the set came from the recent album Giant. Highlights included the recent single I wish That I Could see You Soon, 1 2 3 Apple Tree, When The Water Gets Cold and I’d Rather Walk than Run – all with tuneful refrains that had the audience singing or humming before long. David-Ivar also treated us to a simple but soulful version of Blue Moon, which he’d heard that morning and decided to work into the programme.
I think that sums up the essence of Herman Düne nicely. It is all about the music; they enjoy it and want the audience to as well. And there is definite passion there, in abundance, but you get the feeling things never get too serious with this lot. (Take a look at the video for I wish That I Could See you Soon and you’ll see what I mean.)
Herman Düne’s latest album Giant is available now, released on Source etc. Visit www.hermandune.com and www.myspace.com/therealhermandune for tour dates and more details.
