It’s been said before, probably by me, that ROME is one of the hardest working musical projects out there. In the last year alone Jerome Reuter (the main driving force of the band) has released two full lengths, a live album and gone on at least two European tours. How does he find the time? It’s a question for the ages, that’s for sure and one that is not easily answered judging by how much this one person takes on.
This current tour (dates can be found here), takes in several stops within the mainland and is a genuine delight to behold. Upon entering the venue, it becomes clear that this is not an ordinary ROME performance. Having seen the band both as a solo endeavour and a full band set-up, it is curious to see that two percussion stands and a centred microphone is all that adorns the stage. Having not seen the band live for a number of years it is not obvious to me how long this constellation has been in use, however, it soon becomes a wondrous thing to witness as Reuter and his fellow musician, Jan, bring us completely into the fold with a musical relationship that plays off the other and allows the band to open up songs to new interpretations.
Billed with only ROME playing, there is the expectation that this will be quite a long set which for the few gathered here tonight, is hardly a negative. Any show by this band is something to be taken aback by as Reuter’s voice and acoustic guitar takes us on a voyage through the past, present and future and speaks of protest and uplifting of the people who are wronged. There is much in the show tonight that can be seen as timely with many songs referring to the war in Ukraine and dictators trying to take back what they think is rightfully theirs, and the crowd is taking in every word and action. Our recent interview with the man behind the band can be read here and gives more insight as to why he is invested in the people and the war happening in Ukraine.
The set tonight takes in many "newer" tracks with the occasional older favourite thrown in. For many who have been fans for a long time, there's always an unusual contradiction at play whereby you're just so happy to be watching this band live and hearing so many excellent songs but you are constantly waiting for your most loved ones to make an appearance. With such an extensive back catalogue it is not possible to do this and so the setlist tonight leans towards the latter albums.
There is plenty to enjoy no matter how long you've been a fan with some truly bombastic moments coming courtesy of the percussion and when Reuter joins on the second set (ahhh, so that's what it's there for), for "Sons of Aeeth" there is hardly a body standing still in the room. It's not particularly full tonight which could be seen as a disappointment, yet there is room to move around in your own personal space without bashing into your neighbour and for several active attendees this is the perfect scenario. "No Second Troy" gives more opportunity for dancing within the crowd and "The Brightest Sun" the first big moment of reflection for those who hang on every world. There is an emotion in the song that is palpable and felt by every person watching as Jerome Reuter speaks of Ukraine and its beauty and willingness of its people to stand up to oppression. It's an impactful choice and one that resonates deeply throughout the audience.
"Der Wolfsmantel" is then the perfect followup and one of the older tracks on the setlist tonight, its martial beat adding a dynamic thread that connects it to its predecessor and the sonorous "Hearts Mend." One of the highlights of a ROME performance, or indeed their records, is the voice behind the songs. Jerome Reuter's vocal is rich and deep and soars where needed. It is understated in its beauty and hearing it live is a joy to experience. The chrous on "Hearts Mend" ascends to the heavens, "Going Back to Kyiv" is a glorious ballad that steps back the instrumentation to showcase the voice and "One Lion's Roar" gives the audience the chance to expend their own energy into the air through accompanying the band with words.
As the song comes to an end it seems that ROME are finished for the evening. We all know this cannot possibly be the case because only an hour has passed and yet the thought of it being over is almost too hard to bear. Luckily, our calls for more are heard and Jerome comes back for a short solo performance before Jan joins again for the finale of "One Fire" and ROME classic "Swords to Rust - Hearts to Dust." The former is radiant with an advancing drumbeat that calls to the martial, neo-folk industrial past of the band while the latter is likely one of the first songs I ever heard from the band and one which drew me in immediately. Hearing it tonight is one of the many highlights and the song itself speaks of protest and the overthrowing of those who take power through underhanded means. ROME use these motifs in many of their songs and it seems as though that will always be the case. Struggle is something that we can all experience, some more than others, and ROME uses their music to work through both historical and modern power imbalances, and the people's place within them. It is a potent topic and one that those who are here tonight will go away thinking about more deeply.
