The guys of Melanocaster grew up all the way up in the North of the Netherlands in a small part which is called Friesland. The region Friesland is known for its own unique culture and understandings. For example they have their own language, food and, most important, opinions. Friesland is often called the ‘Wales of Holland’.
You have to take notice of this background to know in what tradition. Melanoscaster is playing and writing songs. The guys grew up with among miles and miles of sea dikes, cows, sheep and the possibility of being flood by the sea. It is impossible to see them without the perspective from where they come from.
‘The band represents the best of the 70’s
garage-rock by giving it a timeless look.'
International Talent
Melanocaster is a young, very energetic live band. The guys played at the Eurosonic Festival, did some high profile gigs on prestigious festivals in Holland such as Parkpop, Indian Summer Festival and in 2006 Melanocaster are selected by the Dutch music foundation Conamus/Buma Cultuur as one of the biggest international talents. As such Melanocaster is being promoted within their musicXport project. This includes among other things, promotion during all the big international conferences, a compilation album.
A youthful Tom Waits
Popronde, Holland’s biggest ‘traveling’ festival described them as: a raw Belgian up-tempo, old school, new wave band. VPRO’s 3voor12 Magazine: ‘Pure Rock. The band represents the best of the 70’s garage-rock by giving it a timeless look. The outstanding sound of the singer’s voice gives the band what it takes to differ from these days rock bands. The singer’s voice in combination with the remarkable mix of drums, bass and guitars appeals me. When I close my eyes and concentrate on the vocals I see a youthful Tom Waits in combination with dEUS Tom Barman drinking their second glass of whiskey somewhere in a bar. Sometimes modest and tender, next to raw and impetuous.
Melanocaster is:
Jelle F. Post
• Vocals, guitars
Ids van der Heide
• Drums, percussion
Jurriaan Smits
• Bass
Willem Bijma
•Guitars, keys
Dolf Kuiken
• Guitars, vocals, keys