Customs is a combo of four retrofuturists from Leuven, Belgium, known for melody, atmosphere, and mathematical edge. Formed in 2008 by Kristof Uittebroek (vocals, guitar), Joan Govaerts (bass), Jelle (guitar), and Ace Zec (drums), the quartet’s edgy post-punk riffs and baritone vocals put them in the same league as Interpol and Editors; this is not yet another Joy Division rip-off mind you, but a vibrant and most promising outfit that would have already fronted NME were they from Manchester.
Influenced by bands like The House of Love, Echo & The Bunnymen, The Sound, Red Lorry Yellow Lorry, and Cocteau Twins, Customs released their first full-length album Enter The Characters last October. This record caused quite a stir in their home turf, with national newspaper De Morgen giving them a four star review and a “Best Belgian Album Of The Year” award, Studio Brussel electing them “Vi.be On Air” Band of the Year 2008-2009, and Flemish weekly Focus Knack naming them “Belgian Revelation Of The Year”. So, if you like gloomy music pumped up with enough energy and attitude to fill the dancefloors, this band is for you.
Digital downloads: Customs – Harlequins of Love Amazon MP3 (US) | Amazon MP3 (UK) | iTunes
awesome! just ordered the record.
thx a lot
Glad you liked Customs, I’m waiting for my copy, too.