Düne vs Düne

Last week was a banner gig week: I managed to catch both Herman Düne and Stanley Brinks (formerly known as André Herman Düne) in the same city within days of each other. Backstory: On December 13th, 2006, André Herman Düne played his last show with French anti-folk outfit Herman Düne, parted ways with brother musicians David-Ivar Herman Düne and Neman Herman Düne and changed his name to Stanley Brinks. Herman Düne (the band) continued doing their thing sans André.

Show One: Herman Düne @ ULU, Tuesday September 18th

The full band (minus André) performed songs from their many albums, with a focus on Not On Top and last year's solid release Giant. The band was in top form; lead singer David-Ivar seemed to be enjoying himself immensely, instrumentation was suberb and the female backing vocals added a sweet touch. I would have liked to hear a few tracks from my favourite album Mas Cambios but hey, what can you do.

Show Two: Stanley Brinks @ The George Tavern, Sunday September 23rd

The George, with its decaying Victorian charm and intimate candlelight, was the perfect venue for Brinks to spin his quirky, sombre tales. The autobiographical 'Stanley Brinks' describes his metamorphosis: "In the Fall of 2006, I changed my name to Stanley Brinks; I moved away from my friends and family and became an enemy of society". Maybe so, but by the end of Brinks' set the East London pub was filled with only friends, both old and new.

- a.m.p.m.

Herman Dune - Not On Top

Herman Dune - When the Water Gets Cold and Freezes on the Lake
Herman Dune - My Friends Kill My Folks