[ATTENDED: September 24, 2026] Altin Gün
I first heard of Altin Gün (which means Golden Day) in 2022 when they played Underground Arts. Back then I quoted
Altin Gün’s relentless grooves are truly immersive, anti-elitist, inclusive. It’s truly music for the dancefloor – all dancefloors. Altin Gün are the perfect 21st Century psych band, hinting at a deep record collection while still belonging to a living tradition and having a unique and distinctive voice [from Forestpunk].
They returned in 2023, this time playing Union Transfer. I wanted to go, but we had a family obligation that night so I couldn’t check them out. But in the past year I’d gotten an album and really liked it.
So, this year the show was announced and I grabbed a ticket, super excited to see them live. Their music is psychedelic with a dirty blend of funk rhythms, wah-wah guitars and analogue organs. They often play psychedelic covers of Turkish folk music. Singer Erdinç Ecevit Yıldız is Turkish while the other four members are Dutch.
I walked in and it was really quite empty. I was able to walk up to the barrier with no problem. And it was a great spot to be because the mixing was perfect. Aside from the two women who would not shut up behind me.
They came out with a simple set up–guitar, bass and two percussionists. The man on the left had a full on percussion set up–conga, bongos, wood blocks, cowbells, tambourines and a couple of foot pedals, which I couldn’t figure out what they played. Daniel Smienk was on the standard drum kit and he was fantastic–a simple kit but complex rhythms.
Jasper Verhulst played bass. He was on the far side, behind the singer’s keyboards, so I didn’t see him too much,but his bass was essnetial, especially when the other two guys were soloing. I was right in front of guitarist Thijs Elzinga and he was fantastic. He switched back and forth between rhythm and lead guitar effortlessly. His solos were fantastic and he shared the soloing spotlight easily. Then up front was Erdinç Ecevit Yıldız. He played keys (some great keyboard solos) and also played the bağlama (or saz)–four-stringed, long-necked (lute family) instrument. He played some incredible solos on this thing!
I’d listened to the album I have and quickly listened to the new album which I didn’t like quite as much as its a bit quieter. But I needn’t have worried about that because they came out and played the grooviest psychedelic sounds. On Gönül Dağ The bass was loud and low, the guitars were great and the percussion kept things interesting. It had a mid-period Pink Floyd sound. The percussion came out in force for Sevda Olmasaydı. (more…)
