It was pop-expert Luc Janssen who discovered Customs in late ‘08. He was the first to throw 'Rex' on the turntable at Studio Brussel (the song that just narrowly missed the MIA for 'hit of the year' in ‘09). More than 15,000 copies of debut album ‘Enter The Characters’ have now been sold, the album that also contained hits like 'Justine' and 'Shut up, Narcissus'. Customs filled every hall to be found in the lowlands and convinced even the biggest criticasters on the main stage of Rock Werchter.

Successor ‘Harlequins of Love’ was a very clear signal that Customs wasn't planning to have itself pinned to any genre at all: Customs will always stand for the extremely recognizable baritone, for catchy melodies and for tons of energy. Lead single 'Harlequins' popped up everywhere, including in advertisements.

Now there's a third album and Customs sounds new and yet familiar. Customs proves to be more danceable than ever, with disco, glam rock and funk influences on ‘The Market’. Still with that powerful voice and those pointed lyrics. Customs is gradually outgrowing every label and becoming a genre in itself.

Warmer-upper this evening will be one of The Netherlands' most exciting bands of the moment: De Staat. Their latest album ‘I_CON’ – about icons and swindlers – was released not so long ago. De Volkskrant wrote of it: “De Staat possesses gusts, humour and class, and all that is beautifully revealed on what is their best and most original album to date.” Oor went one step further: ‘I_CON’ has turned out to be no less than world-class.”