NIWEA – concert

The name Niwea obviously brings to mind the good old brand of cream perfect for every situation. Moisturised faces and lips, previously chapped, the taste of greasy cream. This indispensable care cosmetic, at first glance has nothing to do with music (unless we associate the round box with a record). But since it reminds us of childhood, it can open a whole storehouse of meanings. This strategy is not far from Wojciech Bąkowski approach. His mind and artistic expression are eager to explore the reality in order to find elements which will transport the spectator's (viewer and listener) imagination far away. The taste of cream has therefore the properties of Proust's madeleine. Where does Niwea lead us to?

Large part of Bąkowski's productions bears marks of the 1980's – he himself often and eagerly admits to having strong sentiments for the culture of his childhood. These fascinations are both musical and artistic. At the same time, the source of his sound creations, its primer, “preschool”, were his experiences with rock bands. His style combines, in equal proportions, rap and cold wave, the 80's and the 90's, childhood and adolescence. NIWEA is the result of this connection. There is something happening at this junction – something that could be predicted in some of KOT's records. The past aesthetics references don't seem nostalgic – they sound full-blooded and authentic, Bąkowski is simply an existential gangster, who appears in a sound environment that is natural for his character. Dawid Sczesny plays an immensely important role here. Hip-hop and experimental experiences provided him with tools, which he utilizes with refined mastery. It is usually a good recipe for brilliant music – an uncompromising artist, focused on abstract issues, takes some time off and creates simple, good music, at the same time immensely enjoying himself. It is easy to spot the sense of proportion acquired in experimental work and the knowledge of proper means and ways and their flawless utilization. Therefore NIWEA fuses the best music elements from the last 30 years in a riveting selection done by two outstanding artists.

Bąkowski's poetry plays the crucial role in NIWEA's records – songs pounding with underlying rhythm, raw, outstanding melodies – my greatest surprise and joy is the fact that Wojtek sometimes sings. Texts, similarly to the band's name, are devoted to everyday banalities and transform them into poetic figures. Bąkowski is a careful observer, he combines distant levels of reality, he works out multiple levels under the surface of events which we usually neglect. And all this are – sorry for my repetition – songs! Limping, drunk, some inconspicuous, other lofty, penetrating and beautiful. And at the same time they bring about the taste of something very important and universal.

(Michał Lasota Galeria Stereo Poznań 2010)