music

It’s hard to pin down who Belgian singer and multi-instrumentalist Maarten Devoldere (aka Warhaus) reminds me of, but it’s somewhere between Gainsbourg, Cave, Cohen and Waits.

Those are daring comparisons, but this is an eccentric musician – with album titles like We Fucked A Flame Into Being – that manages to be ostentatious and talented at the same time. This one man band’s multi-layered compositions are appealing and easy to listen to. Technically speaking, Warhaus is indisputably good, and although some of the lyrics in his songs might be full of clichés, it’s possible to think there’s ironic intent there. Regardless, tunes like “Love’s A Stranger” or “Machinery” from the newest album (Warhaus, 2017) are the kind of songs you add to your playlists right away.

It should be worth watching Devoldere’s live performance as his career heads either to absolute triumph or unapologetic oblivion. UPDATE: this concert is now sold out.