“How to Replace It” – Deity: Layered and Mature

Those around their front leg Tom Barman, the ever-changing line-up of Belgian band Deus, released a trio of masterpieces with their first three albums – “Worst Case Scenario”, “NA Bar, Under the Sea” and “Perfect Collision” – between 1994 and 1999. Which did not It loses its charm to this day. At the time, Deus’ sound featured distinct grooves and catchy melodies, which were given their distinction by intrusions of blues, jazz, noise, and art rock as well as subtle dissonance.

Far from the mainstream and out of all trends and fashion, the formation from Antwerp has grown into one of the major constants of indie classic pop. “How To Replace It” is the band’s first studio album in over a decade and sounds anything but retro – while the songs are a reminder of just how catchy this pop concept can be. The band always manages the difficult balancing act between happy melody, rhythm-oriented melancholy, subtle weirdness, and a dash of twist. And with Tom Barman, he has a suggestive board, and he’s a singer, pretty boy, and energetic bonnet all in one.

The comeback album builds mainly on proven sounds – true to the band’s motto that you shouldn’t repeat yourself too much, but keep your style very unique – but complemented by more orchestral arrangements and winning background choruses. With “How To Replace It,” Barman and his fellow musicians release a complex and mature new album that not only knows how to impress with great vocals.

“1989” starring Tom Barman as the interpretive Leonard Cohen, “Le Blues Polaire” which combines blues, chanson, noise and melody, and “Must Have Been New” as an indie waltz, plus “Never Get You High” and “Pirates” Lies Lorquet’s charming background voice stands out in particular.