Staying in Europe

Warhaus is the artistic alter ego and solo recording project of Maarten Devoldere. His day job sees him sharing frontman duties with Belgium indie rock band Balthazar.

First an explanation about the album’s title – it might be naughty but it is also literary being a direct quote from DH Lawrence’s novel Lady Chatterley’s Lover.

Evoking comparisons to the works of Leonard Cohen and Serge Gainsbourg it is no surprise to discover that this is a set of songs that investigates the darker, decadent side of relationships.

Musically, its classic French pop complete with jazzy touches and updatedwith synth pop.

Devoldere explains: “I love contradictions. They are musically very appealing to me: raw vs. fundamentally passionate, art vs. kitsch, archaic vs. modern.’’

Extending the Gainsbourg comparisons, Devoldere even has his own equivalent to Jane Birkin in the shape of Sylvie Kreutsch who provides seductive and sultry backing vocals and appears on the album cover.

Devoldere adds: “I’m at the end of my twenties now. With this record I close an important period. It’s an ode to love, to its excesses and elusiveness. Love songs are a form of advertising: you portray a woman and the listener should fall in love with her too.’’

There are some lovely songs here – Leave With Me, Memories – albeit might all be a little too continental to appeal to UK musical tastes! To be in with a chance of winning this album answer this question. What was Balthazar’s 2015 album called? Entries to, Warhaus, Nigel Thornton, Peterborough Telegraph, Unex House - Suite B,Bourges Boulevard, Peterborough, PE1 1NG by September 23.

Warhaus