Live report BRUTUS & SONS, Grosse Freiheit 36, Hamburg – November 19th, 2023

Belgian night at Grosse Freiheit 36, Hamburg. That’s how one could describe the evening tonight, as two Belgian bands, Sons and Brutus, have registered themselves in the event calendar of the legendary venue at Reeperbahn.

Sons kick things off at 20:00 with a half-hour set consisting of seven songs. I have to admit that I had never heard of the band before this point in time, which makes me all the more curious to see what the next 30 minutes will bring.

The band’s sound can be described as explosive and powerful. The four Belgians start with the title track from their debut album – ‘Family Dinner’ and the energy that defines the sound of Sons is immediately noticeable. It is a wild fusion of alternative, noise and garage rock that fills Grosse Freiheit 36 and leaves the audience in awe. It’s hard to say how many of the fans already know the band.

However, Sons give their very best to be remembered. There is not much interaction between band and fans and the latter are rather Hanseatically reserved, although a certain fascination can be read in people’s faces. Towards the end, there is sporadic clapping along and somehow you get the impression that everyone has to process this energetic performance first.

Brutus are among the hottest newcomers of recent years and it quickly became clear in the months leading up to the show that the originally booked Logo was far too small for the demand for tickets. Fortunately, the show could be moved to the much more spacious Grosse Freiheit 36, which was very well filled on this rainy and cold Sunday evening.

With ‘Burst’, ‘Nest’ and ‘Unison Life’, the Belgians have three albums to their credit and songs from each album are performed tonight. We start with ‘War’ from the Belgians’ second album. As with Sons, the impact with which the trio fires the songs into the venue is impressive. Their post-metal / post-rock is immediately captivating and the precision with which the band goes about their performances is impressive. The very powerful drumming of Stefanie Mannaerts stands out in particular and the fact that she is also the band’s singer makes the whole thing even more special.

It is interesting that ‘Storm’, the first newer song, is only the third on the setlist and thus the prelude to seven more songs from ‘Unison Life’.

The focus tonight is on the music and there are hardly any speeches. However, the band is obviously touched by the scenery. The band humbly thank the fans who have found their way to Große Freiheit 36 tonight and immediately follow up with the next heavy musical punch.

Brutus are already impressive on record and what the trio delivers live is yet another category. You are captivated by the band’s monsterous sound and it’s the variety and nuances that won’t let you go. These vehement post-metal outbursts, which harmonize with quiet and introverted moments, make you want to listen.

Unfortunately, the show ends after 80 minutes and I think that everyone in the room would have liked to hear one or two more songs from the band. Nevertheless, Brutus have delivered an excellent show and everyone in attendance will be heading home satisfied. Brutus underline their position as rising stars tonight and there is still a lot to expect from this young and ambitious band.