On disc: Vanderbuyst

 
 Vanderbuyst
 
- Claudia Ehrhardt -
 
 


 
 In Dutch
 
- Claudia Ehrhardt -
 
 


 
 The Flying Dutchmen
 
- Claudia Ehrhardt -
 
 

The Flying Dutchmen

(Ván Records - 2013)



 
 

 

The Dutchmen are back with their 3rd album - and nothing changed... Same line-up, same label, same music style. So, if you have their albums, this won't disappoint you!



They kick off with Frivolous Franny, a rocker flavored with a dash of boogie... Perhaps not one of their strongest tracks, but still a good one. Waiting In The Wings is more metal than most of the Vanderbuyst tunes, heavy riffing and a great guitar lead - what more can you ask for? Bassist and singer Jochem Jonkman shows his soft side at Give Me One More Shot, but the slow tune offers some rock parts, too. The trio is still based in 60's / 70's rock, but vary a bit more than in the past. They also offer a cover of Hermann Brood's Never Be Clever, a tune which invites you to move. The closer Welcome To The Night is a party rocker which live will set the place on fire! One of my favorites is the title track, but see yourself!











Well, there isn't anything surprising or experimental on this disc, but Vanderbuyst fans won't expect this. So, if you want some classic hard rock, get your copy now!



 
 










Claudia Ehrhardt


  
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In Dutch

(Ván Records - 2011)



 
 

 

The Dutch power trio Vanderbuyst is back with a new album, In Dutch. But don't get fooled, the lyrics are in English.



With their self-titled debut Vanderbuyst showed that 70's hard rock is still alive - at least in the Netherlands. And so nothing really changed, the album has the warm sound of analog recordings, the authentic sound of the 70's / 80's. Willem Verbuyst's guitar leads you into Into The Fire, it takes awhile til bassist and singer Jochen Jonkman's vocals join in. The song is based on 70's hard rock, but the vocals / backings are 80's-tinged. I would describe this one as a mix of Thin Lizzy and MSG... With Anarchistic Storm they offer a NWoBHM-ish tune, but again it's Verbuyst's guitar play which ennobles the tune. A Thin Lizzy-like tune is String Of Beads which is just a good time rocker. Sure, Jochem isn't a gifted singer and often his melody lines are predictable, but that can be said about quite a few other singers. One of my favorites is Reap The Fields, but it isn't any better than the other tracks, just a matter of taste. The closer Where's The Devil is a doomy track where Jochem is singing with a deeper timbre. This one sticks out a bit and somehow it doesn't fit to the rest. It's desert rock and with 6+ minutes a bit long... Personally I would have preferred a more 'typical' Vanderbuyst tune.



In Dutch is one of the albums where you should just enjoy the music, without thinking about what it might sound like. Some will complain about the short running time, but Vanderbuyst stated in an interview we did with them for the last album that their releases will all be fit a LP vinyl. And so it's no big surprise that In Dutch is just 36+ minutes. Okay, one more song would have be nice - and possible -, but well...

 
 










Claudia Ehrhardt


  
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Vanderbuyst

(Ván Records - 2010)



 
 

 

Vanderbuyst is a new hard rock band from the Netherlands, they started in 2008 and released a 3-track EP in fall 2008. Now they present their self-titled full-length debut. The album cover indicates that the band is based in 80's hard rock - and the music confirms that.



The power trio kicks off with To Last Forever and it's like taking a trip back in time. The songs show reminiscences to Thin Lizzy, UFO, Rainbow and Richie Blackmore, a catchy rocker which has an authentic 80's sound. Even if singer JA Jonkman isn't the most talented guy on Earth, he's delivering a strong performance. At Tiger his phrasing is a bit Lynott-ish... A great track, check it out! For Traci Lords they speed up a bit, the riff-based rocker is catchy and will haunt you for days! Guitarist Willem Verbuyst shows his skills one more time in a cool solo, but he isn't overdoing it - just spices up the song. An absolute ear catcher is Stealing Your Thunder! This could have hit the charts back in the days.



The last two songs were recorded live in the studio, something these days is absolutely rare. The first one is a cover version of UFO's Rock Bottom! When I remember the last time I saw Mr. Mogg and his mates playing it live, it was great. But Vanderbuyst offer a powerful version with a fat, authentic 80's sound! I think, UFO would be impressed by the youngsters.



The closer is From Pillar To Post, another up-tempo rocker. A bit like early MSG... Not overly catchy, but after a few spins they will hook you up. Live this one will rock the house!



Fans of hard rock á la Rainbow and UFO should check out the Dutch! Fans of NWoBHM sounds who loved Taurus, Trespass, Blitzkrieg, Tygers Of Pan Tang and Praying Mantis, should give it a try, too. The guys rock! And to get an even more authentic feeling you can get the album not just on CD, a vinyl version will be released as well! So vinyl lovers and 80's hard rock maniacs, October 15th should be a red-letter day in your calendar! That day Vanderbuyst gets in stores!

 
 










Claudia Ehrhardt


  
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