Lovely double bill of dreamy indie and electronic rock
Affaire is the Belgian duo: Michiel Ritzen and Nick Caers, who create a raw, energetic sound with their offbeat electronic rock. Originally drummers, they decided to shift their focus to synths, drum computers and effect boxes after a period in various projects. Their music combines the sinuous energy of Suicide, the angularity of Talking Heads, and the adventurous spirit of LCD Soundsystem and Soulwax, but with a unique twist of their own. Live, the contrast between Caers' concentrated synth ministry and Ritzen's hyperkinetic stage presence creates excitement and fun. Their EP Internal Swing will be released in January 2025.
Soft Boy began as Xander Hamelton's bedroom pop project, but has since firmly outgrown itself thanks to a colourful band of friends. After making a strong impression at We Are Open in 2023, they raced through Flemish stages that year to refine their live show. In 2024, they will release their debut album Always Hungry, on which Hamelton and sous chef Niels Hendrix (Fence, Shovels) serve up a delicious power pop menu. The album combines influences from Beach Boys and Velvet Underground with a fresh, contemporary twist.