The Antlers made a true masterpiece last year: ‘Burst Apart’. Originating as the bedroom project of frontman Peter Silberman, this band is now well-established in every music-lover's record cabinet. Often to be found in the section TC, Timeless Class, where many a Radiohead CD can be spotted.

Their ‘Hospice’ from 2009 meant the breakthrough for this Brooklyn Band and the album acquired a real cult status. At the time, Focus Knack referred to it as ‘the most gripping post-rock album of the year’. A little later the band sold out 2 ABClubs in no time at all. After their unfortunate cancellation at Pukkelpop 2011 and a wonderful concert in the Botanique that was sold out long in advance, The Antlers now return to the AB.

I Am Oak were highly praised for the melancholy folk on debut album ‘On Claws’. The band encompassing singer/songwriter Thijs Kuijken (from Utrecht) released a next album in May 2011: ‘Oasem’. Musically, the more moody ‘Oasem’ is further removed from the debut album than you'd possibly expect. There are almost no acoustic instruments to be heard on the new album, which is based upon keys, organs and even a balaphone. Whereas the indie-folk of ‘On Claws’ was still compared with Sufjan Stevens and Bon Iver, the deeper ‘Oasem’ leaves the folk somewhat more in the background.

"The most beautiful Dutch folk album this year." -3VOOR12 "Stunning!" -OOR