The Commoners proved at Poppodium Boerderij why they are among the most exciting southern rock bands of the moment.
Support act Bloody Mama got the crowd on edge early on with a steaming mix of psychedelia, soul, and raw rock.
The Commoners and Bloody Mama bring a southern rock vibe to Boerderij Zoetermeer.
Bloody Mama opens the evening convincingly. From the musical swamps of the Oostvaardersplassen, Bloody Mama trickles onto the stage with a sound that seems to have walked straight out of the glory days of the 60s and 70s.
The band from Almere serves up an explosive mix of psychedelia and raw hard rock, topped with a touch of soul. No safe covers or predictable tribute act, but a distinctive band that wholeheartedly chooses original songs and an authentic sound.
Live, Bloody Mama is rock solid. The band plays tight, energetic, and with visible enjoyment, while the charismatic singer effortlessly draws attention to himself.
Yet it is primarily the chemistry between the musicians that impresses: gritty guitars, steaming grooves, and a vintage vibe that never feels forced.
Bloody Mama proves that retro rock can still sound exciting today when delivered with passion and guts. Fans of bands like DeWolff would be wise to keep an eye on this name. That Pablo van de Poel was involved in the recording of their EP is almost logical: the musical kinship is clear, without them losing their own identity.
Bloody Mama ends the concert with “G.O.D.”, which is their magnum opus to date. It is a band you have to experience live. As soon as they play somewhere: go see them, but listen to their music on Spotify in the meantime. Unfortunately, no hard copy is available yet.
The Commoners impress with pure southern blues – rock. From Toronto, Canada’s largest city and a breeding ground for diverse musical styles, The Commoners are steadily rising within modern southern and roots rock.
Not complex prog rock like fellow Torontonians Rush, but honest, unpolished rock music with influences from other Torontonians The Band.
Furthermore, comparisons to The Black Crowes and Blackberry Smoke are inevitable. Live, it becomes particularly evident how well those ingredients come together.
Since their debut album in 2022, the band has been living almost permanently on the road. That hard work has paid off, as the Canadians have a strong trump card in their hands with the album *Restless* from 2024.
Live, those songs gain even more character. From the very first notes, the band radiates enjoyment and conviction. The songs are well-structured, the harmonies sound powerful, and the musicians are perfectly attuned to one another. The performance is a succession of solid southern rock, bluesy riffs, and melodic choruses. Personal favorite “The Way I Am” pops up early in the set and immediately proves to be a highlight. The energy on stage is infectious, and the audience effortlessly joins in the band’s groove.
Between the heavier tracks, “Restless” and “See You Again” provide some breathing space halfway through the concert. These are the moments when it becomes clear that The Commoners are more than just a straightforward rock band. The group manages to bring dynamics to the set without losing intensity.
Afterwards, what lingers is the feeling of a band that lives for the stage. No exaggerated show elements or contrived poses, but pure music delivered with conviction and passion.
Anyone wishing to relive the performance can turn to their live album *Live in the UK* from 2025. Put that album on, crack open a bottle of bourbon, fire up the barbecue, and the atmosphere of this evening is instantly back.
