Applause (LP, 2023 Repress White Vinyl)

This 2023 Reissue Repress LP is pressed on White vinyl.

Hailing from the vibrant music scenes of Kortrijk and Ghent, Belgian indie pop and rock quintet Balthazar delivered their highly anticipated debut album, Applause, in August 2011. Clocking in at just 41 minutes, the 11-track record is a masterclass in infectious energy and sharp lyrical wit, blending garage-rock grit with indie sensibilities.

The album opens with the punchy Fifteen Floors, setting the tone with its driving rhythm and anthemic chorus. Hunger at the Door follows, a track that fuses urgency with melody, while Morning offers a more subdued, hypnotic vibe. Standout Wire crackles with urgency, and the melancholic I’ll Stay Here showcases the band’s knack for crafting hauntingly beautiful hooks. Closing with Blood Like Wine, the record leaves a lasting impression—raw, polished, and brimming with personality.

Aplaus earned Balthazar the prestigious Music Industry Award for Best Album in 2011, cementing their place as a fresh force in Belgian music. Whether it’s the wiry guitars of Wire or the anthemic lift of Fifteen Floors, Applause is a confident, genre-defying debut that refuses to be ignored.