Whilst recording the soundtrack for Faith Akin’ intense unforgettable Head On, Alexander Hacke, bass player from German experimental legends Einsturzende Neubauten visited Istanbul. The trip made quite an impression and he has again teamed up with Akin, this time as a central character on a tour through some of the sounds of this incredibly diverse city. We’ve got grunge-oriented rock, experimental noise, hip-hop, and psychedelic rock, representing a city in transition, at the crossroads between the East and West, searching for acceptance into the European union yet struggling to retain its voice in the influx of Western culture. Through Hacke we meet the underground, the street performers, young, passionate and a little loaded, but very clear on their place in the world. Their music, with just a ukulele and percussion on a street corner packs a punch like nothing else. They talk of Erkin Koray, one of Turkey’ pioneering rockers (who also appears here), romanticising the street, “Concrete,” they say, “when you put your head down on it feels like concrete.” Hacke also takes in Romany music, and a fasil session, music played in bars to get you drunk. And this is the highlight of the film, clarinet, percussion and oud weaved together in an upbeat frenzy, it’s where gypsy and traditional Turkish music meet. Though Hacke also covers his bases, garnering a rare acoustic performance from movie star and Turkish legend Orhan Gendeby in his swish new office, as well as some classical cabaret music, and beautiful Kurdish music in an old mosque. It’s a remarkable journey, with the artists themselves telling the story, and the music is simply beyond belief.
Extra Features:
There’ virtually an alternate cut of the film called Under the Bridge, an interview with Hacke, some stills of Istanbul at night and clips from some of the bands featured. Gold.
Bob Baker Fish
