Kregel – #7 (Digital EP – Wagonmaniac Music)
Flemish trio Kregel was formed in 2016 and began releasing EPs in 2020. In the meantime, the band has already arrived at “#7,” a new release featuring four fresh tracks.
Kregel is quite a remarkable band because there are not many acts like them around. Musically, they are deeply rooted in the spirit of the 1980s, particularly the New-Wave and Post-Punk era. That alone is not unusual nowadays, but what truly makes the group stand out is their decision to sing in their native language while delivering wonderfully absurd and abstract lyrics although with a deeper and sometimes sensitive content. Of course, the concept is not entirely unprecedented. Fans of Aroma Di Amore and Arbeid Adelt! will immediately recognize where part of the inspiration originates. Still, Kregel succeeds in translating those influences into something that feels fresh and contemporary. “#7” sounds wonderfully Post-Punk throughout, with one of the tracks even containing a subtle nod to The Stooges. At times the music may appear somewhat simplistic, yet this is compensated by its sheer effectiveness and the dark, menacing atmosphere that runs through the entire EP. The songs gradually build toward hypnotic crescendos and repeatedly invite the listener onto the dance floor.
Kregel may ultimately remain a phenomenon primarily appreciated within Flanders, but I genuinely believe the band possesses enough originality and potential to break through much further. As far as I am concerned, this is one of the finest Belgian discoveries of recent years. (Rating:8).
Listen to “Dode Mus”:
https://wagonmaniac.bandcamp.com/track/dode-mus
I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.
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