Dust and Guitars: Grenadeers play De Nieuwe Anita

Apr 18, 2016 | by Jerry Houtman | Event, Music

About the author

Jerry is the name, online is my game. I'm a digital enthusiast, ranging from old skool gaming and Space Invaders to iPads and social media. The integration of digital elements in everyday life and art have my particular interest, and besides that I'm part time rockaholic.

Whether you’re in the mood for some sweat, heat and excitement, for taking a soothing dream ride along psychedelic soundscapes, or maybe to wallow in bittersweet self-pity over the love you just lost, there’s always the right band at the right time. I’ll be your pathfinding captain through the desert of dust and guitars, so fill up your flask and follow me.

A new release by an upcoming band from the local underground scene! This Wednesday marks the launch of the Grenadeers’ first single. With Chasing the Stereotype these guys are on the verge of breaking through to a bigger audience. The single is the first fruit from the upcoming debut EP, which is a collaboration with big shot Alain Johannes – known from QOTSA, Arctic Monkeys and Them Crooked Vultures, and a big fan of the band from the start. He even contributed to the album himself with a guitar solo.

The band stood out last year at Club 3voor12, and the six guys that form the Grenadeers are ready to leave the underground behind them, with their profound love for anything raw. Or, in their own words: “Our take on rock ‘n’ roll sounds like the love baby of Robert Fripp and Josh Homme playing in an empty trashcan in a deserted alley of old town Sin City, while he’s doing just fine.” With no less than three guitar players the band tends to play angular riffs which contrast sharply with the dragging vocals from frontman Siep van Rijswijk. The resemblance with QOTSA is indeed uncanny, which is of course not that surprising, though it reminds me of Eagles of Death Metal a bit as well.

To celebrate the launch they throw a release party in DB’s Utrecht on Wednesday. But don’t fear, a few days later they’ll play in their hometown! So, if you fancy some powerful rock be sure to check out the Grenadeers at De Nieuwe Anita on Friday. The EP will be released in full in September – something to look forward to!