DONDER
Since their debut album ‘Still‘ in 2016, Donder has consistently alternated between a trio album and a collaboration with a guest musician. After the last quartet album ‘Het Verdriet,’ featuring Sigbjørn Apeland, the band returned to the core of their ensemble playing with the album ‘De Wonderen‘.
The album was recorded on a slow summer day in July 2023 in the old theatre hall of KC Nona in Mechelen. Besides the room’s lively acoustics and the conscious choice for an upright piano, the recording is characterised by the usual unorthodox playing techniques and carefully documented imperfections.
In contrast to their previous record ‘Het Verdriet‘, which emerged from a research project on Flemish (folk) music history, this time the premise was to compose and collect new material without any concepts or limitations. The result is a chaotic blend of abstract and melodic work featuring both solos, duos and trios, two covers of pop songs and some occasional whistling and Norwegian lyrics.
‘De Wonderen’ is a testament to the small wonders found in everyday life. As Guy Peters writes in the liner notes: “With this album that bubbles with percussive ideas and unpredictable contrasts, you are once again reminded that beauty is more striking when you have to wait for it, or find it in unusual places.”
The first single ‘Het Mierenlied’ was released on September 4th, with an animated video by 3D and motion designer Robbe Callewaert. The second, Vader Ademt, was released on October 18th, with a stop-motion video by visual artist and ceramist Juliette Pons. The full album was released on November 22nd 2024.
“Donder always releases albums you just can’t get enough of. And that is the biggest compliment of all. ‘De Wonderen’ is once again stunning.”
– Dick Hovenga, Written in Music
“It’s admirable how the band switches between songs that make you daydream and compositions that choose a completely different path, like the cheerful ‘Het Mierenlied’. ‘De Wonderen’ is a great album for lovers of music that does not fit in one category.”
– Philippe De Cleen, Cudding Edge
“The song titles are just as creative as the compositions, which contributes to the feeling that every song is like a small treasure you stumble upon. (…) This is a record on which you discover something every time you listen, and which becomes more precious over time.”
– Marc Alenus, daMusic
Stan Callewaert (BE) – Double bass
Casper Van De Velde (BE) – Drums & percussion
Harrison Steingueldoir (BE) – Piano
INSIDE JAZZ MANAGEMENT
BOOKING
Belgium
Manchesterstraat 49A/f, 9000 Ghent
Jens Tytgat
jens@insidejazz.be
W.E.R.F. RECORDS
LABEL
Belgium
Werfstraat 108
8000 Brugge
Benny Claeysier
info@dewerfrecords.be
