Follia! - demo


Year of Release: 2002
Label: n/a
Catalog Number: n/a
Format: CD
Total Time: 19:55:00

Although this Belgian band did a reasonable number of gigs and was able to perform during well established festivals, the big time hasn't yet hit this outfit. In order to find interested organisers, Follia! has released a self produced 4-track including four of their live favourites. Recorded live, these songs give a very good image of what to expect. Their blend of folk often interspersed with world music elements results in an interesting combination well worth to be dissected. The seven piece obviously is able to deliver a wide selection of atmospheres regardless whether it's uptempo or slow, electric or acoustic.

First on this demo is "Tina Brown," a thoroughbred Scottish track if ever I heard one. When the old medieval shawm introduces the song, followed in its footsteps by congas, violin, and bagpipes, it becomes difficult to sit down as your feet are moving from one side to the other. No doubt this is a great showpiece and a perfect example of the Follia! concept. These guys really know how to be original. Take the lyrics for the following song "Elfenbal," which in true 5/4 rhythm contains a rather medieval atmosphere and goes something like this:

indara irasun inori. sundeskim bala noi andora.
indara bara son. kimbala hindiskimbala son anora.
indara irason irala metingiara son yanora.
indara kimbala irsason metingirarason.
ipatakali yanara hindiskimbala metingio.
ipatakali sundara hindiskimbala metingio.
ipatakali yanara hindiskimbala metingio.
ipatakali sundara hindiskimbala metingio.

Don't ask me what it's all about as this is no doubt the secret language of Follia! only to be understood when you visit one of their concerts! The jig which follows, "Heer Halewijn," is an anonymous "bourrée" dating from around 1450. Sung in old Flemish, no doubt this would be a treat when covered by Belgian's leading folky ladies Laïs! Although the accordion introduces the necessary rhythm, the song would benefit from nicely balanced vocal harmonies. Luckily the flute compensates for this lack of vocal acrobatics. The demo CD ends with the instrumental "Zepheus" which is a showcase for both violins often rubbing shoulders with gypsy atmospheres. Accompanied by acoustic percussion and shawm it introduces a fair amount of Arabian elements to the original music of the band.

Having witnessed the band live on a hot summer evening, Follia! certainly has a lot of potential and looking at the way the music industry is changing it will be their combination of folk and world music elements which certainly will open doors on either side of the Atlantic. Proud to be Belgian!


Tracklisting:
Tina Brown (Scottish) / Elfenbal (Walz 5/4) / Heer Halewijn (Jig) / Zepheus

Musicians:
Johan Decancq - bagpipes, accordion
Eduardo Vega - guitars
Jeroen Goegebeur - violin
Luc Vanderstock - bass
Pieter Decancq - vocals, violin
Pros Deblaere - drums, derbouka, djembe, conga's, didgeridoo
Sammy Lee Daese - flute, piano

Discography:
Follia! (demo) (2002)
Kiss Me You Fool, Kiss Me Lila (2004)
Grasshopper (2006)

Follia! Live XL (DVD) (200?)

Genre: Progressive Folk

Origin BE

Added: October 20th 2002
Reviewer: John "Bobo" Bollenberg

Artist website: www.follia.be
Hits: 2253
Language: english

  

[ Back to Reviews Index | Post Comment ]