{"title":"Balthazar","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBalthazar is a Belgian indie rock group that was formed in 2004. With their unique sound and captivating performances, they have gained a loyal following both in Belgium and internationally. Known for their catchy melodies and introspective lyrics, Balthazar has released several critically acclaimed albums throughout their career. Their music seamlessly blends elements of indie rock, pop, and alternative genres, creating a distinctive and memorable sound. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to their music, Balthazar's songs are sure to leave a lasting impression.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"thin-walls","title":"Thin Walls","description":"\u003cp\u003eStunning album from Balthazar, fronted by the songwriting mainstay of Maarten Devoldere and Jinte Deprez. Recorded at the Yellow Fish Studio, with Ben Hillier (Blur, Depeche Mode, Elbow) on production duties and mixed by Jason Cox (Massive Attack, Gorillaz). Written as the band traversed the world in support of previous record \u003ci\u003eRats\u003c\/i\u003e and inspired by their time on the road (including an arena tour with labelmates Editors). The result is a careerbest; contemporary indie rock full of mesmeric melodies and melancholic beauty. These are songs of anxiety and hope and love and fear.For fans of Grizzly Bear, The Strokes, Arctic Monkeys, The Walkmen.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PIAS","offers":[{"title":"Gold LP","offer_id":50394985759051,"sku":"2119785","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"LP","offer_id":50394984939851,"sku":"387019","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"CD","offer_id":50394985595211,"sku":"387018","price":5.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/Thin_Walls_8cdb815f_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726452475"},{"product_id":"sand","title":"Sand","description":"\u003cp\u003eLed by Jinte Deprez and Maarten Devoldere who unite both on writing duties and as frontmen, Balthazar continue to satisfy their thirst for the less rigid parameters that resulted whilst working on 2018’s \u003ci\u003eFever\u003c\/i\u003e. Refining their approach to writing, the subsequent recording and following their own solo excursions Jinte, under the nom de plume J.Bernardt with his R\u0026amp;B infused \u003ci\u003eRunning Days\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eMaaarten\u003c\/i\u003e with the louche, torch song influenced \u003ci\u003eWarhaus\u003c\/i\u003e – the fluidity and uninhibited process provided an alternative and altogether less restrictive blueprint. One that was undoubtedly aided by their own solo projects. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt follows then that \u003ci\u003eSand\u003c\/i\u003e, a soulful alt-pop embrace albeit less encumbered from the melancholic shackles of the past pursues this newfound road whilst providing the two writers and the band with their most cohesive album to date. Highlighting the nuances of love, loss and life, \u003ci\u003eSand\u003c\/i\u003e sees the writing duo of Devoldere and Deprez hitting new heights no more so than with the majestic \u003ci\u003eOn A Roll,\u003c\/i\u003e glitchy undertones and sumptuous vocals propel this track to the fore but it’s one of many. The dexterity of Devoldere and Deprez distinctive vocals are a highlight on the lovelorn narrative of You Won’t Come Around, whilst the rapturous \u003ci\u003eLinger On\u003c\/i\u003e provides yet more pop bliss bookending the album comes the louche, jazz-tinged \u003ci\u003ePowerless.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PIAS","offers":[{"title":"Yellow LP","offer_id":50405556846923,"sku":"1106493","price":22.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"CD","offer_id":50405556486475,"sku":"1106491","price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/eba77002-23c6-4fba-afa6-8c21ef07890d_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726579059"},{"product_id":"fever-2","title":"Fever","description":"\u003cp\u003eBalthazar return with a new album \u003ci\u003eFever. \u003c\/i\u003eIt’s clear from the opening notes of the album’s first and title track \u003ci\u003eFever\u003c\/i\u003e that the five-piece have changed, not least due to their individual musical pursuits over the past few years. Opening with a rolling languid bass riff, \u003ci\u003eFever\u003c\/i\u003e unfurls into a slinky sunset jam, a swooping string motif adding drama to the funky bustle that fanfares Balthazar into new territory with their fourth album; honest, playful and underpinned with a carefree abandon from two extraordinary songwriters. Following the band’s self-imposed hiatus, a break that saw frontmen and writing partners Jinte Deprez and Maarten Devoldere pursuing different individual interests from both a personal and creative perspective that has ultimately led the band to fashion their most cohesive album to date. The break saw Devoldere release two albums of lush, moody art-jazz as Warhaus which, freed from the work constraints of Balthazar, eventually resulted in him ending up at a retreat in Kyrgyzstan. Meanwhile, his best friend since school, Deprez, remained at home in Ghent working in the studio, indulging his love of old-school R\u0026amp;B, and releasing a solo record under the nom de plume J. Bernardt. The freedom to indulge their whims and the result of those solo successes led to the urge to write together again, propelled by a broader artistic horizon and hastened by their mutual respect for each other’s work. On reconvening the band had no plans, just a simple desire to better their previous works, and to further the band’s story. Both primary songwriters agreed on a less serious vision leaning towards a looser, refreshed sound – less melancholic, but retaining their unerring ability to create a hook-laden armoury.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLP - 180 Gram Black Vinyl with Download.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLP+ - 180 Gram White Vinyl with Download.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PIAS","offers":[{"title":"LP.","offer_id":50408964915531,"sku":"1053303","price":22.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Blue LP","offer_id":50408968028491,"sku":"2119726","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"CD","offer_id":50408965472587,"sku":"1050185","price":5.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"LP","offer_id":50408966947147,"sku":"1050186","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/1370c43a-edc9-437b-8e13-4e575eed11d1_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726609112"},{"product_id":"rats","title":"Rats","description":"\u003cp\u003eSecond album from Belgium band Balthazar on PIAS. The new output's heartwrenching melodies tell tales of unspoiled love and foolish desire. at its core are the band's trademark vocal harmonies, drenched in quirky romantic textures. Balthazar sway and swoon, from melancholic bossa grooves to euphoric waltzes. You'll hear some stunning, sexy rhythm section and the kind of lush arrangements that whisper Scott Walker's name.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PIAS","offers":[{"title":"Orange LP","offer_id":50410673242443,"sku":"2119993","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"CD","offer_id":50410671898955,"sku":"359054","price":5.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"LP","offer_id":50410672324939,"sku":"359055","price":21.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/Rats_47751b1b_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726647650"},{"product_id":"applause","title":"Applause","description":"\u003cp\u003eBalthazar's award winning debut album \u003ci\u003eApplause \u003c\/i\u003efeaturing singles and live favourites 'Fifteen Floors', 'I'll Stay Here' And 'Blood Like Wine'. The five-piece from Kortrijk \/ Ghent are a band with swagger who produce a uniquely rhythmic, alt-indie sound. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PIAS","offers":[{"title":"White LP","offer_id":50410757914955,"sku":"2119978","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"CD","offer_id":50410757652811,"sku":"384581","price":5.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/Applause_7e054673_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726648639"},{"product_id":"sand-castle-tapes","title":"Sand Castle Tapes","description":"\u003cp\u003eAfter spending a few night in a beautiful old castle near Brussels at the start of 2021 (following lockdown), Belgian art-poppers Balthazar returned from their stay with \u003ci\u003eSand Castle Tapes\u003c\/i\u003e, a documentary and live concert filmed by Heleen Declercq and co-produced with HolyShit sessions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThey released\u003ci\u003e Sand Castle Tapes \u003c\/i\u003eas a digital EP on 24th September 2021, featuring 10 songs from the film; 8 songs reworked from the album and two jams. Now Balthazar release \u003ci\u003eSand Castle Tapes\u003c\/i\u003e for the first time in physical format as a single LP.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe band say of the stay: “You only get to fully understand an album when you start playing it together, the relaxed circumstances lead to a whole other way of interpreting the songs than we would have for a live show. It’s refreshing, it’s very human.” \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e1. On A Roll (Sand Castle Tapes version)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e2. Powerless (Sand Castle Tapes version)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e3. Jam 1 (Sand Castle Tapes version)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e4. Moment (Sand Castle Tapes version)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e5. You Won’t Come Around (Sand Castle Tapes version)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e6. Linger On (Sand Castle Tapes version)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e7. Jam 2 (Sand Castle Tapes version)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e8. Losers (Sand Castle Tapes version)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e9. Halfway (Sand Castle Tapes version)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e10. I Want You (Sand Castle Tapes version)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PIAS","offers":[{"title":"Black | LP","offer_id":50506449486155,"sku":"1150633","price":17.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/50eab72d-7056-4c2b-b532-bd37a78ce4a6_thumbnail_4096.png?v=1727823483"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/collections\/test_799d157d_thumbnail_4096_c2ea70b1-5585-4840-a19d-3222fefcf309.jpg?v=1726117282","url":"https:\/\/shop.roughtrade.com\/collections\/balthazar.oembed","provider":"Rough Trade","version":"1.0","type":"link"}