Subject – Who Will Save Belgium? / Expanded Edition (Digital/CD Album – Je M’En Fish Records)
Subject was a Belgian project active during the 80s, driven by Alain Neffe (known from Bene Gesserit), Daniel Malempré, and Mirella Brunello. This release is a compilation of several previously released tracks—originally featured on various compilations—while the CD version includes a selection of previously unreleased songs as well.
Musically, the 80s Electro/Wave style becomes immediately apparent. The use of vintage rhythm boxes and analog synths rekindles the magic of that era. Guitar elements are present throughout, along with saxophone parts—an instrument often associated with this genre in the 80s. Many tracks remain instrumental, though vocals do appear here and there.
Alain Neffe’s influence is unmistakable, occasionally recalling the free-form experiments of Bene Gesserit—especially noticeable when Nadine Bal lends her voice as a guest vocalist.
This record offers some outstanding tracks that transport listeners back in a kind of imaginary time capsule to the 1980s. (Rating:7½).
Listen to “I See You”:
About Subject
Alain Neffe, a Belgian industrial pioneer, also recorded as B. Ghola in Bene Gesserit alongside his wife Nadine Bal, and was a member of Pseudo Code with Xavier Stenmans and Guy-Marc Hinant. Subject was one of his other 1980s projects, formed with Daniel Malempré and Mirella Brunello.
Je M’en Fish Records compiled Subject’s archival material as “Who Will Save Belgium?”, first issued on vinyl in 2025 and followed by a CD digipack “Expanded Edition” with additional previously unreleased tracks, released April 30, 2025.
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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.
