Compare What's There. Real Farmer

In 2019 I wrote a post about Real Farmer's eponymous EP. It contained all sort of hints at the band's name and farm(er)s. Little did I know what the world had in store where farmers were concerned in the third decade of the 21st century. The band's name certainly has a different connotation than in 2019.

What has not changed is the punk rock the band plays. One foot firmly in the post punk tradition that is sweeping over the western world since the late 10s and another firmly planted in the dirty, sleazy sound of original punkers of the 1970s. The mix gives Real Farmers an edge over several bands it competes with for attention in the post punk arena.

Guitarist/singer Peter van der Ploeg, bassist/singer Marrit Meinema, singer Jeroen Klootsema and drummer Leon Harms are simply charged with energy. Klootsema has that punk voice and uses it to great success. Somewhere between singing and spitting out his lines. He is assisted by Marrit Meinema who sings like both Gruppo Sportivo's original singers Meike Touw and José van Iersel in one. Enthusiastic shrieks that still amount very much to singing.

What I like about the record foremost, is the enthusiasm that jumps out of my speakers. The band is really enjoying itself and shares it with the world. At the same time the level of musicianship is totally in line with the much lauded Tramhaus and Global Charming. The Dutch post punk scene is one that is getting more distinctive by the day, with real top bands that can easily compete with what comes from abroad.

Five years is a long time and I have no idea whether this is the same line up as then. I'm not even 100% certain it is the same band. I have no clue today how I encountered Real Farmer's music in 2019. At the time the members all also played in other bands. Since the band signed with Pete Doherty's label Strap Originals. The ex-Libertines may mostly be an artist of the past, as a Dutch band it does mean a lot where recognition is concerned.

Compare What's There delivers on that promise. Things can be that simple. Real Farmers lets there be no mistake. From the very first beat the band throws itself at its listeners with all it has. There may be a short lapse of energy, so we can thankfully all catch out breathe, it is not the quality of the songs that lapse. Loud, musical, dissonant, dirty? This band has it all and proud to show it.

I'll admit to have forgotten completely about the band, thanks to Compare What's There it is right back where it belongs alright. Postpunk fans ought to know enough.

Wout de Natris

You can listen to and order Compare What's There here:

https://realfarmer.bandcamp.com/album/compare-whats-there