Intergalactic Lovers - Greetings & Salutations (2011)

The majority of quality Belgian bands have two typical characteristics: 1. they took part in Humo's Rock Rally and 2. they sound un-Belgian international. This success formula also applies to Intergalactic Lovers. When they participated in the Rock Rally in 2008 under the name 'Free Zamunda!', there was not much of that cross-border sound to be heard, but now the group is ready to conquer the poldered neighboring country with their debut album Greetings and Salutations. The Netherlands is not completely foreign ground for Intergalactic Lovers; one of their band members is from there. Even more international is the Lebanese origin of singer Lara Chedraoui.

She is also the reason why Intergalactic Lovers rises above countless other Belgian indie rock. She breathes life into the songs with her voice that is sometimes warm and sweet, sometimes venomous and sharp. Lara's voice is already too familiar to compare her to Feist, Karen O or PJ Harvey. But even though the songs are each carried by her voice, the music can also be there. Intergalactic Lovers have no problem maneuvering between ominous rock ("Shewolf"), pop music with an edge ("Delay") and pleasantly rippling ballads ("Bruises").

The fact that the sound of their debut album is good in one go also has to do with the mastering of Steve Rook at the famous Abbey Road Studios, who previously worked on The Last Shadow Puppets, Wilco and Franz Ferdinand and recently won a Grammy Award. for refreshing The Beatles' complete back catalog. He is largely responsible for the tight sound of Intergalactic Lovers and in this way he knows how to make Chedraoui's voice come into its own even better in a mix of electric and acoustic guitars and tight drums.

With the singles 'Delay' and 'Fade Away', a number of prizes and accolades, professional sound treatment and a unique voice, Intergalactic Lovers have everything to sell out venues not only in Belgium, but also in the Netherlands. A CD like Greetings and Salutations is the reason that I am jealous of my Belgian colleagues, so it is high time that Intergalactic Lovers came to the Netherlands to show how it's done.