Loose Ends + Writhe in Aarhus, Denmark

Gig review and Photos by Line Villefrance Thomsen

Edited by Miyuki Wang

Loose Ends on stage in HeadQuarters, Aarhus, Denmark

It's no secret that when it comes to music, I'm always very curious to check out local bands and help support my local music scene. Therefore, I've chosen to write a piece on - and expose you readers to - one of my favourite hidden treasures of the underground scene of Aarhus: Loose Ends.

It's a late Saturday night, October 8th to be exact, and on the corner of a very quiet street in the heart of Aarhus, a few people head down into a basement that oozes of classic punk/rock energy. Here you're invited into the intimate underground venue HeadQuarters with a capacity of just 150 people. The post-punk/noise rock band Loose Ends, local to Aarhus, are playing, and the room is packed.

Having seen Loose Ends numerous times on various occasions, it's safe to say that the band always bring their best energy to the stage. This night is no exception.

Let's start with the support act Writhe, a Copenhagen band, who quickly brought the heat to the room. Immediately after beginning their set, every single person in the crowd seems to be captured by the energy, music and lyrics of this band. And I can understand why. The rage and fury in their lyrics mix beautifully with the noise of guitars, drums and bass, yet there always seems to be an underlying feeling of love and hope from their presence.

It's inevitable to be captured in the moment of their performance from beginning to end, hence why I'm left with the thought of what an unexpected, but brilliant performance this was.

Writhe on stage

Moving on to the headliner of the night, the guys from Loose Ends step onto the stage. The moment the set begins, I can feel my heartbeat take off in pure ecstasy. It's been a while since I've been this excited to see a band - especially one I've seen multiple times before.

Starting off the set with a few tracks that sound familiar - probably because they've played them live before - 'Letter,' 'Less' and 'By The Leash' have the crowd immediately moving in ways that are totally careless to their surroundings. Seeing people let loose, and for once allowing myself to let loose as well, is an incredible feeling that can't quite be explained with words. It's something you need to experience for yourself.

Loose Ends and their amazing crowd at UHØRT Festival in Copenhagen

In the middle of the set, the band played their first single 'Drainage' from their debut EP Yearning For Something Else. It's an upbeat, anxious and freeing tune which has people singing along for the first time this night. Screaming "I escape, and I escape, I escape, this is my fate" in the chorus of the song along with tons of other fans, creates a feeling of unison and understanding amongst the people in the crowd.

Even the band wanted to be involved with this community and the magnificent energy the crowd created during the show. The lead singer steps onto the floor and merges into the crowd during multiple different songs which only gets the crowd more hyped and excited about this whole night. Engagement with your audience like this is something that truly establishes a strong connection between the band and the fans.

Loose Ends in Copenhagen (by Benjamin Wendelboe)

The set of Loose Ends is coming to an end, yet no one seems to notice due to the continued high energy of the band on stage. The cheers, chaotic movements and mosh pits in the crowd appear to be never-ending. However, when the set does come to an end, the applause for the band is overwhelming. The band seem excited and proud of their performance - so does the audience. And let's be honest… That's all you really want from a live performance.

It's been a chaotic yet melodic night of music in the heart of Aarhus. That's the best way to describe this night.

Walking home from the gig with a setlist in hand, I realize that only one of the songs is a track on their EP, and the rest is yet to be released. Having said that, it looks very promising for the band's potential debut album.

With this review in mind, you're encouraged to go support your small local bands and artists. Musical gems are hidden everywhere - even in the smallest of cities like Aarhus.

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Setlist:

Letter

Truths

Less

By The Leash

Drainage

Cry Out

Over Yet

Ny Skramz

Quite Sure

Perhaps

Shut Down

super cool handwritten setlist

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If you wanna listen to Loose Ends, you can check out their debut EP Yearning For Something Else on Spotify here.

Check out Loose Ends on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Channel and Instagram.

Check out Writhe on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Channel and Instagram.

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We're thrilled to have Line as one of our amazing guest writers on A Lucid Dream. Get in touch with us via Instagram DM, email (notaluciddream@gmail.com) or the contact form on our website to join us in this silly little community by writing a review for gigs you've been to recently, or about an album or a song you like. Alternatively, you can send us 4 songs that you can't help but repeat these days - and they will be featured on our upcoming weekly playlist. We'd love to have you on board with us!