“Name a Belgian band” is a frequent question we ask our international friends. Most of the time the answer is a long silence. But when we start throwing around names like Technotronic (“Pump up the Jam”), Deus (“Suds & Soda”) and Soulwax (“NY Excuse”), we hear a lot of I knew that! We’re all about the now though, so here’s an insight into the next generation of Belgian bands. So next time somebody pops the question, you can lay down some inside knowledge.
Compact Disk Dummies
Compact Disk Dummies are the 2012 winners of Belgium’s biggest rock contest, Humo’s Rock Rally. Two brothers, Lennert (20) and Janus (18), bring a mix of different sounds together: from 80s New Wave to trashy stoner rock to contemporary electropunk. Their music has been described as “brutal” and “a smack in the face,” and we just want to dance when we hear “The Reeling.”
Black Box Revelation
Black Box Revelation, or BBR, are Jan Paternoster and Dries Van Dijck, two childhood friends from Dilbeek. Since the release of their first album, “Set Your Head On Fire,” they’ve toured with The Raveonettes, Eagles of Death Metal, Iggy Pop, and The Meat Puppets. We love their mix of rock and blues (and secretly we want their skinny leather jackets). “Never Alone / Always Together” is our favorite.
The Van Jets
The Van Jets are four friends from Ostend (a coastal city most well known for being the birthplace of Belgian painter James Ensor but also because Marvin Gaye lived there in the 80s). Music critics often review them as a mash-up of David Bowie, Iggy Pop, and T. Rex. We’re no experts, but we do know that we turn up the volume every time one of their songs comes on the radio. Here’s “Broken Bones” from their latest album, “Halo.”
Balthazar
Balthazar is, musically speaking, typically Belgian: a powerful blend of extremes. Edgy yet rhythmic, subdued yet enticing, precise yet enchanting. They just released their new album, “Rats,” and the “I Love Belgium” team was immediately hooked on the first single, “Do Not Claim Them Anymore.” Just watch the video and you’ll understand what we’re talking about.
SX
SX is a band built around Stefanie Callebaut and Benjamin Desmet. Together with drummer Jeroen Termote they deliver ethereal indiepop. Stefanie is not only beautiful to look at, she has a painfully beautiful voice. They launched their debut, “Arche,” in 2012 and the latest single from that album, “Graffiti,” is pure magic.
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Compact Disk Dummies
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Black Box Revelation
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The Van
Compact Disk Dummies
Compact Disk Dummies are the 2012 winners of Belgium’s biggest rock contest, Humo’s Rock Rally. Two brothers, Lennert (20) and Janus (18), bring a mix of different sounds together: from 80s New Wave to trashy stoner rock to contemporary electropunk. Their music has been described as “brutal” and “a smack in the face,” and we just want to dance when we hear “The Reeling.”
Black Box Revelation
Black Box Revelation, or BBR, are Jan Paternoster and Dries Van Dijck, two childhood friends from Dilbeek. Since the release of their first album, “Set Your Head On Fire,” they’ve toured with The Raveonettes, Eagles of Death Metal, Iggy Pop, and The Meat Puppets. We love their mix of rock and blues (and secretly we want their skinny leather jackets). “Never Alone / Always Together” is our favorite.
The Van Jets
The Van Jets are four friends from Ostend (a coastal city most well known for being the birthplace of Belgian painter James Ensor but also because Marvin Gaye lived there in the 80s). Music critics often review them as a mash-up of David Bowie, Iggy Pop, and T. Rex. We’re no experts, but we do know that we turn up the volume every time one of their songs comes on the radio. Here’s “Broken Bones” from their latest album, “Halo.”
Balthazar
Balthazar is, musically speaking, typically Belgian: a powerful blend of extremes. Edgy yet rhythmic, subdued yet enticing, precise yet enchanting. They just released their new album, “Rats,” and the “I Love Belgium” team was immediately hooked on the first single, “Do Not Claim Them Anymore.” Just watch the video and you’ll understand what we’re talking about.
SX
SX is a band built around Stefanie Callebaut and Benjamin Desmet. Together with drummer Jeroen Termote they deliver ethereal indiepop. Stefanie is not only beautiful to look at, she has a painfully beautiful voice. They launched their debut, “Arche,” in 2012 and the latest single from that album, “Graffiti,” is pure magic.
Compact Disk Dummies 
Black Box Revelation 
The Van