Warhaus is the project by Marteen Devolder that manifested in the debut We Fucked A Flame Into Being. Belvedere is also a frontman of Belgian indie rock band Balthazar. Following last year’s third album by his popular mother band, Devoldere decided to change the direction and challenge himself. By the way, Warhaus refers to the name of the ship where Devoldere made this record.
Warhaus was six years in the making, and it was just a matter of time when it will emerge into the album. The sound and the style falls between Balthazar and a darker sound. Some critics have called it as noir, rather than indie. Anyhow, it is an intriguing band, especially because of the eclectic rhythm and Afro-beats. Warhaus does not orient itself towards one style. You can hear everything from jazz and blues to world music and post-punk.
The album’s title is reference to the novel The Lover Of Lady Chatterley by D.H.Lawrence, since Devoldere loves the contradiction of it. It can be noticed that the album itself is also abundant with contradictions, since it collects various genre and numerous structures. Overall, it is a solid debut.
Nick Cave and Tom Waits are biggest influences. The songs sound like indie pop dressed in black clothing, manufactured for claustrophobic occasions with whiskey and cigarettes. Vocally, Devoldere is special. It is not easy to put him in the box. He manages to transforms his voice, so that it sounds either confident or melancholic, sometimes even nonchalant.
I’m Not Him opens the album and sets the mood. The Good Lie is the first single, enriched by a female vocal that connects noir with Afro style. Against The Rich is another number driven by a seductive vocal and dance beats. The most obscure song is Machinery, while Memory stands closer to Balthazar.
The last track is Time And Again, a melancholic and morose number that concludes the project in the most suitable manner.
Marteen Devoldere is the musician who likes to experiment. Keep an eye on him.
