Release Date: January 28, 2022
Label/Distribution: Labelman / Distributed by [PIAS] / [INTEGRAL]
Not that it matters who did, the fact is that Belgian outfit The Waltz have taken those wise words to heart and, in the midst of a worldwide pandemic, have turned into a pack of young, hungry musical wolves ready to kick the world’s post-punk-noise conscience into overdrive.
If The Waltz were a drink, it’d be a slamming cocktail of Panoramix’s magic potion, mixed with Red Bull, some coffee and a strong Belgian Tripel beer.
Young, eager and firmly rooted in the present, The Waltz present an eclectic sound best described as post-punk larded with a heavy dose of noise and a hint of pop. During the pandemic, The Waltz dove into the DUNK! studios in Zottegem (Belgium) and recorded their debut album.
The advance single ‘Flowers’ is the perfect introduction to the entire album, which carries the title ‘Looking-Glass Self’. When asking the band if there’s a common thread running through the album, the answer is ‘not what it seems’.The lyrics, sprung from the turbulent brain of singer/vocalist – and parttime anthropologist – Kevin are seemingly inspired by a macabre mirrored world only he knows exists.
The result is a crushing debut-album with barbed-wired songs and catchy hooks: sometimes wildly kicking around (Egocide) and sometimes anointingly soft (Prying Eyes) … The Waltz are a band that perfectly capture the zeitgeist of 2021. A firm headbutt with a kiss on the cheek afterwards.
You won’t know what to remember first: the bang or the catharsis.
The Waltz’ debut is the first release on the revived label ‘Labelman’, a Belgian stronghold that, after years of silence, is once again manifesting itself as an adventurous label that wants to be the home for all things alternative.
In case you missed it view / share the band’s video for “Flowers” at VISIONS (DE) and INDIE STYLE (BE)
or check out the “Red-Orange Moon” Video at EVERYTHING IS NOISE.
press quotes:
“(…) dreamy passages meet gripping, slightly dissonant alternative rock – proof of how little the band around singer and guitarist Kevin Anne shies away from poppier moments, although they have often leaned towards noise in the past, as earlier songs on Spotify or Youtube prove.” VISIONS Magazin
“The video seems to draw some inspiration from those early ’90s Seattle grunge era tracks with the lo-fi distressed style and dark light feel. The considered and sporadic use of white noise throughout the video helps create a sense of unease, whilst again maintaining interest for the viewer.” Everything Is Noise
“Their new single ‘Flowers’ focuses on contrasts between the sweet stanzas and the rough outbursts in the chorus. A tried and tested recipe, but no less delicious for that. Fans of post-punk and noise rock with a slight touch of pop will certainly like it.”” Indie Style
THE WALTZ IS
Kevin Anne – vocals & guitars
Benoit Lafaut – guiters& synths
Arne Vanhoutteghem – bass
SybeVersluys – drums