Browsing Tag

Belgium

Tempus Cucumis reached the epitome of cutting-edge with their prog-rock tour de force, The Axe Drops

Posted on 24 January 2025

Tempus Cucumis have sharpened their classically-trained chops once again for ‘The Axe Drops’, a six-minute tempestuous slice of prog-rock featuring the mesmerising jazz-tinged vocal talent of Anne-Lien. As an extended adaptation of the track that first appeared on their 2021 experimental demo album Mini Mouton—a prog soundtrack to the 1926 silent film Ménilmontant—the single transcends its cinematic roots and evolves into something far more colossal.

Crafted by the formidable duo Jeroen De Brauwer (guitars, drums, composition) and Lukas Huisman (keys, production), the single builds on their signature style of seamlessly balancing storm and stillness. The quiet, reflective interludes, where guitar and keys take centre stage, are fraught with tension, leaving you holding your breath for the monolithic crescendos of doom-laden riffs and symphonic flourishes.

These climaxes pulverise, especially when Anne-Lien’s ethereal vocals sweep in as an arresting juxtaposition to the hostility which breeds in the ferocity of the heavier sections which will leave fans of prog and post-rock slack-jawed. It’s the band’s deft ability to maintain captivation even in the stripped-back moments that make The Axe Drops a triumphant tour de force. The polished production ensures every note feels deliberate, every beat intentional, and every shift monumental.

As Tempus Cucumis work towards their eighth album, this single not only pays homage to their roots but also cements their status as titans of atmospheric innovation. The album artwork, a painting by Giorgi, is a fitting visual companion to a track that feels as vivid as it sounds.

Stream The Axe Drops on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Strange Melody put an experimental spin on Eurodance with ‘Don’t Go’

Posted on 23 June 2021

‘Don’t Go’ is the latest single released by Poland-born, Belgium-based DJ and producer Strange Melody. If any Eurodance track is going to make you nostalgic for t.A.T.u., it is this experimentally progressive single.

Don’t Go switches between direct deliverances of spoken word to hyper pop vocals that add to the sense of arresting anticipation as you’re left to wonder what aural curveballs will follow the preceding ones.

It’s a stunning release that stands as a testament to Strange Melody’s refreshingly diverse sound; expect atmospheric breakbeats, ominous symphonic tones and infectious future bass-style choruses that make an earworm of Don’t Go.

Stream Don’t Go via SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

These Days Are Longer: Brussels-based indie rock band Basement Low End control their destiny with inspiring debut ‘When is Tomorrow’

Posted on 5 April 2021

Taken off their brilliant eleven-track debut album, Basement Low End ask us the vital question of ‘When is Tomorrow‘.

Recently formed Brussels-based indie rock band Basement Low End, make that edgy soundscape that has been born from playing underground during this horrific pandemic – for it to now be heard online and soon on stage – where the real artists cut their teeth and make a name for themselves.

”We started off with two friends, Kieran and Loïc, making a lot of noise in a basement. After months of playing together, the duo slowly turned into a four-piece with Chase on bass and Thomas on guitar, and gradually moved out of the basement.”- Basement Low End

Their chords mesh beautifully as one, you feel the hard work and sweaty nights to master their chosen craft as their music lifts you into a different planet, within ever sinew of your body.

‘When is Tomorrow‘ from excellent Belgium indie rockers Basement Low End, gives you chills down your happy spine as you wonder when better days are ahead of you. Luckily breathtaking music like this – helps the gloomy mood transform in a brighter one – when you suddenly realize that you control your attitude and can achieve anything you set your mind to conquering.

Hear this top track on YouTube and see more on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

That break from the madness: Seatea finds the light on ‘Movements’

Posted on 14 February 2021

Seatea brings all the music ‘Movements‘ together like a true professional to formulate a real diamond in the rough, on this sensation new second single from the terrific talent, with an ear for crystal clear music for the soul to digest happily.

Ontario, Canada-born, Brussels, Belgium-born, bass, tuba-trained singer-songwriter/producer and massive Arsenal FC fan Christian Thomas aka Seatea, makes dazzling and pure music that heals the anxiousness inside, so you can soar upwards and reach those dreams you have been manifesting.

We are bolted into the tale of how we need all of our movements right now to survive this crazy world. Our mental agility is needed to find the light and break free from what is transpiring before our very eyes. He has the ability to make a song so simple but complex all in one, that is so catchy and a pleasurable experience for our tired ears.

‘Movements‘ from the supremely creative Brussels-based multi-talented artist and SAE Institute for Music Production student Seatea, is that experimental vision that gives your mind a rest from the confusing world. This is that chill-out fusion that makes everything bearable again, with the carefully crafted mixture of electronic sounds that gives your heart that extra energy needed, to take on your day with confidence.

Stream this wonderland of sounds via Spotify and see more on his IG music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Brazilian Bass boost by Cardinal’s ”Leviathan”

Posted on 10 June 2020
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9PnlgSVGNY&feature=youtu.be

Barely two months old and based in Belgium, Cardinal are an exciting electronic act that is hot on the scene. Created during COVID-19, they have just released their 4th single called ”Leviathan”. It’s a bass hungry beat with hardly any vocals and pumps out the speakers to satisfying levels.

A real hard house kind of song that would be popular while playing to packed dance floors at 3:30am in the morning, with sweaty revelers during a summer party. This is guaranteed to be played loud and proud.

Cardinal from Belgium drops their 4th single called ”Leviathan” and it’s an eye-popping surge back down memory lane on this one. With Brazilian hard house beats and a trance feel, they have created a sound that is already popular but have added their own twist to proceedings. Being a new act, they have some catching up to do but with the speed of their releases, are making up for lost time.

Stream more of this instrumental right here on their bass boosted YouTube channel so you can fire up your day.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Willemsson – What If? : The Ultimate Feel Good Hit

Posted on 3 December 2017

You’d struggle to find a track more upbeat than What If? Every element that the Belgian music genius has thrown into the mix has a wonderfully playful charm about it. It’s a rare treat to find a musician that doesn’t take themselves too seriously. I can only hope that some day Willemsson will take his music on a worldwide tour and I’ll be able to see the enigma perform in the flesh.

His latest Dance Pop track was written, composed and engineered by his own deft hands to create a hype that’s infectious. His ability to compose complex material is second to none after his decade long music career, What If? is a track that can boast endless structuring, and a striking emphasis on the bass and percussion with endless chord changes which keeps the track fresh and alive.

As I explored his prolific back catalogue it soon became apparent, that there’s no sound that Willemsson is unable to master, he bounces between pensive melodies to hard hitting trance hits, taking his inspiration from a myriad of international sounds from Pop, to Jazz, to Electric.

What If? Is the first track released off his new LP which will be released early 2018. I already can’t wait.

Check out his vibrant hit What If? on SoundCloud

https://soundcloud.com/willemsson/what-if