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Songlines, february 2007: This six-strong Brussels band is celebrated for its compelling live-act.Now, by what appears to be popular demand, comes a live CD and accompanying DVD that tries to catch the feel of the band performing in front of a crowd. Having never seen them, this reviewer felt pretty curious about doing so on the strength of this record. An imaginitive hybrid of Gypsy brass, jazzy double bass and free-spirited vocals presents a jubilant and musically interesting sound. Demain Peut-etre is a good example of the cheeky attitude and musical skill that abounds in the ensemble. A lilthing rhythm is punchilly punctuated by a committed vocal line. Every now and again, vocalist Piet Maris gets out his megaphone and rasps his voice to the crowds obvious delight. That kind of theatricality really comes across on this record which, with its faithful sound, achieves what many live albums fail to do: cast a shadow on what it actually feels like to be at a gig of the artists. Fans of the band will be thrilled, but my guess is that this isn t the best introduction to them. That must surely be a live performance. This then, I suppose, is the next best thing. Mark Espiner |