A Chat with Balthazar
After both Maarten Devoldere (Warhaus) and Jinte Deprez (J. Bernardt) played separately, the Balthazar fever was bound to happen and it took over Control Club for two days. Along with Simon Casier, Michiel Balcaen and Tijs Delbeke, the band delivered a playful and atmospheric show. We pointed our camera at them and had a little chat about their new album.
How does taking a break and going solo influence a band? Does it change anything or does it bring a sense of novelty? It sure does and as they call, it also brings “inspirational oxygen”. They have been touring for more than 10 years together and knew that some time spent as solo artists would work like a charm. And so it did, making them eager to write songs together again.
“When you’re playing solo you know it’s all about you, but with Balthazar there is no room for being selfish. The time has come to put our egos in the closet and perform as a band”. And what better way than with a new album, “Fever”. The result? “We couldn’t been more proud of the new album”, the band tell us.
As they put it, the record “resembles the joy of coming back together as a band; it’s extrovert, spontaneous and danceable”. And it’s true – you can feel it song after song, but maybe more prominent on “Fever” and “Wrong Vibration” (which to be honest, definitely has the right vibration).
And of course there’s the album cover that caught our eye (note to self: “they’re African dogs, not Hyenas”) which was Christian’s idea, their manager. “At first we thought it didn’t make any sense but once we saw the picture it felt right”.
Balthazar are currently touring Europe to promote their latest album. Check out the remaining dates on their website.