Formed in 2004, Balthazar have already developed a strong following in their native Belgium and further abroad in Europe.
Released in 2010, their debut album Applause was well received by fans and critics alike, leading to a string of tour dates across the continent.
Rats picks up were the band left off last time, delivering a thoroughly enjoyable collection of gentle folk-infused rock tunes.
The album’s opening tracks in particular stand out, with ‘The Oldest Of Sisters’, ‘Sinking Ship’ and ‘Later’ showcasing the band’s ability to deftly blend a steady and up-beat rock rhythm with more eclectic instrumentation. Different instruments ebb and flow in turn, with the vocals floating naturally over bursts of brass and strings.
The tempo drops around the album’s midpoint, with the tone making a darker shift.
At the same time, the easy fusion of different musical styles begins to fall apart, and everything begins to feel somewhat disjointed. Elements such as the murmuring flute on ‘Don’t Claim Them Any More’ almost feel as though they’ve been included in an attempt to throw together as many folky instruments as possible.
The record redeems itself, however, with the closing track ‘Sides’, a stripped-back and chilled number that provides a late album highlight.
Overall, Rats is undeniably pleasant and relaxed – qualities that should never be underestimated. Too few albums manage to be simply nice, and Balthazar’s achievements in producing an album that is comfortably unpretentious and easy to listen to should be considered a success.
