Poppodium Boerderij, Zoetermeer [NL]
Friday, 3rd October 2025
It’s somewhat of a challenge not to mention Pink Floyd in a RPWL report or review as the influence of the legendary British band is evident in almost every song, so much so that you sometimes wonder if you’re watching/listening to a German clone. Nothing new, of course, but this time, for me, it’s very much present. The slow tempo of most of the songs, the inevitable melodic guitar solo, the female backing vocals, the heavy drums, and even the lead vocals are frequently reminiscent of PF. But that doesn’t detract from the quality of what’s on offer, as evidenced by the enthusiasm of the audience who had turned out in considerable numbers on a chilly Friday evening. An estimated 400 people had found their way to the (prog)rock temple in Zoetermeer, bringing a pleasant, cozy atmosphere to the Boerderij.
The main part of the show consisted of an integral version of World Through My Eyes, which wasn’t a surprise as the album was re-released this year and is celebrating its twentieth anniversary. Frontman Yogi Lang mentioned it in his introduction – there will be no skipping of songs this time, unlike some fans might do with their home stereo equipment. 😉 Surprised looks from the die-hard fans around me.
As mentioned, we were in for a complete version of World Through My Eyes. They kicked off with the Eastern and funky-tinged Sleep, followed by the more straightforward rocker Start the Fire, thus setting the tone. The slightly Beatles-esque Everything Was Not Enough, with its fantastic fretless bass, and the infectious Roses were sung along to en masse as if it were a major hit. 3 Lights is about a train journey Lang took daily after the recording session for this album; Wallner’s guitar solo is a highlight. The Steve Hillage cover Sea Nature is as psychedelic as its composer; Lang’s vocals are skilled. Besides the unmistakable Pink Floyd influences, Day On My Pillow also features a touch of Genesis’ I Know What I Like, woven throughout, heightening the festive atmosphere. The trio World Through My Eyes, Wasted Land, and the fitting Bound to Reach the End mark the end of the first half of the concert which lasted around 75 minutes.
Some fifteen minutes later, the band return and launch into Hole in the Sky. If ever an RPWL song bears a resemblance to PF, then this is the one. Even the lyrics (Set the controls for the heart of the sun) unashamedly hark back to the British icons. Not really surprising: they started out as a Pink Floyd cover band in 1997. Victim of Desire, taken from Crime Scene is accompanied by a self-produced video. And it opens with a canon borrowed from Gentle Giant. A New World features a keyboard part by Lang, referencing Manfred Mann, which is characteristic of the song. Similarly the U2-esque guitar sound Wallner extracts from his instrument in What I Really Need references, while Gone Forever is a unique, somewhat atypical song with a different rhythm. The lyrics of King of the World are clearly visible in the video. New Stars Are Born is a bonus track with a long instrumental section on the recently re-released album and is characterized by Wallner’s use of the so-called ‘talk box’.
The animations during the first set seemed directly derived from Gerald Scarfe, another Pink Floyd reference, however during the second half of the set, it was mainly the self produced videos that fittingly accompanied the music.
The sound and lighting were once again impeccable, noblesse oblige in Zoetermeer. The musicians on stage were clearly enjoying themselves; the looks they exchanged spoke volumes. The band clearly has a preference for De Boerderij, as they regularly play the venue and their live album True Live Crime was recorded there in 2023.
The duo of Markus Grützner and Marc Turiaux make an excellent rhythm section; the driving yet melodic bass of the former and the heavy yet subtle drums of the latter lay a solid foundation for vocals, keyboards, and especially guitar. Kalle Wallner, as always, smiles warmly and plays multiple guitars; each song apparently requires its own unique guitar sound. Yogi Lang himself ably handled lead vocals and, in rare moments, operated the Minimoog in his characteristic style.
All in all, a fine and atmospheric performance by the band, although unfortunately I had to leave the venue a bit early due to unforeseen circumstances. And so, as I’d expected, I missed the encore featuring Unchain the Earth (The Scientist) and The Shadow. Be that as it may, there will undoubtedly be another visit from RPWL to their beloved Boerderij in the future.
[Photos courtesy of Arie van Hemert (Poppodium Boerderij)]
SETLIST
Set 1: World Through My Eyes
Sleep
Start The Fire
Everything Was Not Enough
Roses
3 Lights
Sea Nature
Day On My Pillow
World Through My Eyes
Wasted Land
Bound To Reach The End
Set 2:
Hole In The Sky
Victim Of Desire
A New World
What I Really Need
A Cold Spring Day In ’22
King Of The World
New Stars Are Born
~ Encore:
Unchain The Earth (The Scientist)
The Shadow
MUSICIANS
Markus Grützner – Bass
Butsch Keys – Keyboards
Yogi Lang – Vocals, Keyboards
Marc Turiaux – Drums
Kalle Wallner – Guitars
~ With:
Caroline von Brünken: Background Vocals
Carmen Tannich: Background Vocals
