With De Wonderen, Donder returns once again to the essence of the trio. 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.”
Het Mierenlied and Vader Ademt were released as singles with accompanying video’s by respectively 3D and motion designer Robbe Callewaert and visual artist and ceramist Juliette Pons. The full album was released on W.E.R.F.-records November 22nd 2024 on LP and digital platforms. The artwork was designed by Jelle Martens with photography by drummer Casper Van De Velde.
All tracks composed by Donder except for All I Want For Now (Genevieve Artadi) and Oh My Love (John Lennon and Yoko Ono).
Recorded july 7th 2023 at KC Nona, Mechelen. Recording & mix by Stijn Cools. Master by Gert Van Hoof.
- Released : 22/11/2024
- Label : W.E.R.F. records
