THERE’S a long-standing joke among lazy comedy writers that there is nothing remarkable or outstanding about Belgium, but sadly, Balthazar’s latest effort does little to contradict it.
That’s not to say the second album from the Belgian five-piece is bad, just that it’s perfectly... okay.
Balthazar’s sound is indie rock, with solid vocals and a laidback energy that works in the background but tracks rarely stand out as memorable, as you would hope. Woozy track The Oldest Of Sisters sways between half-asleep vocals reminiscent of Fleet Foxes, into faster, cheerier Arctic Monkeys style bounce, while Lions Mouth (Daniel), has lyrics of love coupled with melancholy piano.
Do Not Claim Them Anymore is a chippier poppier release, and highlight of the album, but it’s still the highlight of a band looking to stand out from the crowd, while also trying to please the mass audience.
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