On June 12th, Canadian singer-songwriter Ora Cogan brought her ‘Formless Tour’ across the globe to Berlin, Germany, touring her newest same-titled album. Together with her live band, the artist manages to create a mystical, personal and almost spiritual atmosphere with her folk and psychedelic rock songs, providing the audience with a truly unique and inspiring night.
The concert took place in Loophole, a small intimate pub in Neukölln with a tiny backroom that is already entirely full when opener Michael, artist name Marlais, comes on stage. Even before the concert, one could have overheard more than one group of people talking about music and their personal relationship with it, so it’s no surprise how attentive everybody listens when Marlais starts performing his psychedelic-folk music. After greeting the crowd nervously, he starts off with an expressive acapella performance full of thought, strength and emotion, for the last part standing there with his fist on his chest as he seems to feel every word he sings. Only using his voice in a “real folk” way, as he claims, the singer leaves so much space for thought and emotion and shifts the focus to the poetic aspect of songwriting. The middle of his set consists of mystical psychedelic sounds, some accompanied by melancholic vocals, others just instrumental, challenging the audience to pay close attention and listen really carefully before the set ends on another English folk song called ‘Bird in the Bush’. By creating an impressive sound sphere, Marlais managed to pique many people’s curiosity and have them lean back, fully captivated by the music.
After a short break that allows the listeners to unpack and discuss Marlais’ performance, Ora Cogan takes the stage together with her five-piece live band and immediately starts singing. She and her band play one song right after another, making them blend into one storyline with just one short break to introduce the other band members. The set is mostly slow, very instrumental and contains very deep and personal lyrics, absorbing all of the room’s attention. Even with such a slow set, the audience keeps applauding and cheering after every song and never seems to get bored. Another thing that stands out about the performance is the band members’ intimate and vibrant dynamic. The group draws a family-like picture, everybody smiling at and grooving with each other while enjoying their instrument. Whilst it’s already wholesome to watch the musicians fully let go and let loose while performing, the room experiences an extra special moment when Ora Cogan gets out her violin for two beautiful solos. Once the set comes to an end, the band tries to leave the stage, but the audience won’t let them, screaming “One more song, one more song!”. After the whole set being rather slow, the crowd is very excited to hear one faster and livelier song- save the most danceable for the last.
Both band and audience seem to leave the room in a great mood- inspired, happy and not seldom tipsy. But though the show is over, that doesn’t mean the night is. The Loophole serves as the perfect place to share your thoughts on music and the show, drink one or two beers and make new connections.
On a Wednesday night in Berlin, Ora Cogan supported by Marlais managed to not only serve an amazing, precious musical performance but also create an atmosphere that leaves space for understanding, unpacking and discussing like no other. So if you can do without a mosh pit or heavy dancing at a concert, and are looking for a space to purely experience and enjoy poetry and instrumentals, Ora Cogan shows are the place for you.
Written by: Carla Libuda
Photographed by: Carla Libuda
Edited by: Marieke Weeda
