Dead Belgian April 26, 2013

Dead Belgian play the music of Jacques Brel with a twist of stunning originality and devotion that has been garnering them serious attention from the music critics and standing ovations from new-found fans wherever they play.

“If you like the idea of Nico/Edith Piaf singing Jacques Brel backed by the Arcade Fire, get to the next Dead Belgian gig.” Stuart Wilks-Heeg , Twitter March 2012

They began life in 2007, inspired to share Brel’s music with all who would listen. Each member brought their own influences to the band, from European folk to progressive rock, stripping the songs to their bare bones and fattening them up again using a ramshackle drum kit, ukulele, guitar, accordion, saxophone, mandolin, clarinet and flute. Dead Belgian have developed a playful and inventive sound that meshes dense melodic patterns, demonic waves of intensity and passages of sparse frailty with vocals that have drawn comparison to Edith Piaf, Anthony Hegarty and Nico. The band have a great rapport with audiences, who are often amazed at how many Jacques Brel songs are familiar to them - either through originals, translations or English language adaptations.

“Bringing the songs of Jacques Brel to an English speaking audience with near missionary zeal” Liverpool Daily Post

“Dead Belgian combine the story telling beauty of Brel's work with European
Folk influences and interesting instrumentation to create something truly
unique.” Your Move Magazine

“Alternating between French and English, singer Fionnuala Dorrity lives the songs as Brel did - coquettish during "Madeleine", passionate in "Ne Me Quitte Pas" and tortured in "Au Suivant". Highlight of the set though was the concluding "Le Moribond", a rousing and upbeat version which will cast out memories of Terry Jacks and Westlife for ever'" The Word

Official Website: http://crd.fm/2NL