Although this Belgian band did a reasonable
amount of gigs and was able to perform during well established festivals the
big times haven’t yet hit this outfit. In order to find interested
organisers Follia! has released a self produced 4-track including four of
their live favourites. Recorded live these songs give a very good image of
what to expect. Their blend of folk often interspersed with world music
elements results in an interesting combination well worth to be dissected. The
seven piece obviously is able to deliver a wide selection of atmospheres
regardless whether it’s uptempo or slow, electric or acoustic. First on this demo is
‘Tina Brown’ a thoroughbred Scottish if ever I heard one. When the old
medieval shawm introduces the song, followed in it’s footsteps by conga’s,
violin and bagpipes, it becomes difficult to sit down as your feet are moving
from one side to the other. No doubt this is a great showpiece and a perfect
example of the Follia! concept. These guys really know how to be original.
Take the lyrics for the following song ‘Elfenbal’ which in true 5/4 rhythm
contains a rather medieval atmosphere and goes something like this : indara irasun inori.
sundeskim bala noi andora. Don’t ask me what it’s all about as this is no doubt the secret language of Follia! only to be understood when you visit one of their concerts ! The jig which follows, ‘Heer Halewijn’, is an anonymous ‘bourrée’ dating from around 1450. Sung in old Flemish no doubt this would be a treat when covered by Belgian’s leading folky ladies Laïs ! Although the accordeon introduces the necessary rhythm the song would benefit from nicely balanced vocal harmonies. Luckilly the flute compensates for this lack of vocal acrobatics. The demo CD ends with the instrumental ‘Zepheus’ which is a showcase for both violins often rubbing shoulders with gypsy atmospheres. Accompanied by acoustic percussion and shawm it introduces a fair amount of Arabian elements to the original music of the band. Having witnessed the band live on a hot summer evening Follia! certainly has a lot of potential and looking at the way the music industry is changing it will be their combination of folk and world music elements which certainly will open doors on either side of the Atlantic. Proud to be Belgian ! Reviewed by John 'Bobo' Bollenberg |
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