Mercelis & Lalalover

Jef Mercelis

After nine years of silence, Jef Mercelis is re-entering the Belgian music landscape. His debut album “The Hopes And Dreams Of A Drunk Punk” was released in 1996 and he appeared again in 2005 with “Western Union”. It has become a subdued and subtle record, where the vocals really come to the fore. Mercelis' soft, floating voice creates a desolate atmosphere in the music, which seems to take the listener on a gliding flight over misty, vast plains. The acoustic guitar and electronic effects enhance the mystique even more. Tom Waits can be recognized in Mercelis's sound. It is music to sink into and where the everyday chaos disappears into the background. Pure peace, pure enjoyment.

Lalalover

Anyone who is almost unanimously declared 'revelation of 2005' by the music press must be doing something valuable are. “Heliotropic”, Lalalover's debut, is showered with review stars. Tom Kestens may have made a name for himself as the keyboardist of Das Pop and Sarah Bettens, but he has more to offer. The young Malinois is a musical jack-of-all-trades with a surprisingly beautiful voice. Elvis Costello, Bill Withers, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, ... Kestens is a soul fan, and that warm, summery, somewhat melancholic sound also oozes from his music. On Heliotropic you can hear sunny pop, mixed with a hint of funk, jazz and hip hop. Lalalover's music will sound beautiful but simple to the consumer listener. But the attentive listener – and Heliotropic deserves nothing less than attentive listeners – will discover an unexpected sound, instrument or effect in every song. Trixie Whitley, daughter of Chris Whitley and already a true soul diva at the age of seventeen, sings on the record. Furthermore, Tom Kestens is also assisted by Krewcial. This Lalalover concert will send you home with a cheerful summer feeling.