BASBAR - Start EP (Self-published)

In the past, Fernand was active in bands like Fête Royal (bossa nova), Watson Sunday (pop), Spablo’s (world music) and Boilr (rock), but after an eight-year hiatus, he now adds a Dutch-language reggae repertoire to his musical journey.

The track list of ‘Start’ features six songs, including the previously released single ‘Kussengevecht’ (“pillow fight”), all built on Arky Starch riddims that should already sound somewhat familiar.

For ‘Start’, Starch used the same riddim as ‘Dreadfulness’, his collaboration with Double Tiger from the recently released ‘Rebel Phase’ EP. Lyrically, the song serves as a critique of the relentless rat race that so many of us find ourselves trapped in:

Ik duw de wekker af (I hit the alarm clock)
Voor de zoveelste keer (For the umpteenth time)
En voor de zoveelste keer (And for the umpteenth time)
Uit mijn bed rechtsaf (Get out of bed, turn right)

En ik houd me sterk (And I stay strong)
File - tanken - file - werk (Traffic jam - refuel - traffic jam - work)
Check in - jas uit - koffie - start (Check-in - coat off - coffee - start)
Slecht voor mijn hart (Bad for my heart)
…

The track ‘Knop’ (“button”), in which Fernand battles his struggles with alcohol, also features a riddim that listeners might recognize from ‘Rebel Phase’ (‘Rebel Vibes’). The same goes for ‘Kussengevecht’, where Arky recycled the riddim from ‘In Dub Mood’. In this track, lyricist Ann Sweeck wonders how the world would look if all conflicts were settled with a pillow fight.

Fernand balances the deeper themes of these tracks with love songs like ‘Zie Je Mij Wel Staan?’ (“do you see me?”), ‘Roestvrij’ (“rustproof”) and ‘Stuntpiloot’ (“stunt pilot”).

Making Dutch-language reggae is always a bit of a gamble, as comparisons with the legendary Doe Maar are almost inevitable. However, we can confidently say that the combination of Jean’s vocals and lyrics with Starch’s riddims truly works. At best, this project is accessible enough to reach beyond the relatively small reggae scene and find a broader audience.

BASBAR will present ‘Start’ live on Saturday, February 22nd, during the Hof Talent’ere talent competition at PC De Zandfluiter in Wechelderzande!