De Mannen Broeders Sober Maal

De Mannen Broeders – Sober Maal

Suburban exclusive Custom Galaxy Edition (limited to 200) / Coke Bottle edition / CD

DE MANNEN BROEDERS is the joint project of Colin van Eeckhout and Tonnie Dieleman. Colin is the singer of Amenra, Tonnie the man behind Broeder Dieleman with which he brings idiosyncratic Zeeland folk. Their fascination for the dark side of life, sadness, mourning and a love for ritual brought them together to record an album.

The result is the nine songs on Sober Maal, which is released under the name DE MANNEN BROEDERS. It was written and recorded in less than five days in the 18th century Mennonite Church in Middelburg (Netherlands). The building is omnipresent on the album. In the echo of the voices, the creaking of the floor and in the impressive sound of the church organ. Sober Maal is a haunting, droning, emotionally charged journey that feels rooted in a bygone world, yet sounds completely original, has a melancholic atmosphere, yet retains a hopeful feeling. Colin and Tonnie’s vocals mingle with the choir and a stripped-down selection of instruments, including a banjo, piano, hurdy-gurdy and organ – all mixed with the sounds and echoes of the church.

Sober Maal feels like a service, a ritual where humanity and collectivity are celebrated. Where the ego melts away in the togetherness of making and listening to music, giving words to what connects us as people. That longing for connection, carried by music that shows a spirituality without preachiness, and is based on wonder at the world and connection with our environment and loved ones. That is where the holiness and humanity lie. Sober Maal covers a lot of history that connects with the present. A poem from 1786 written by a Protestant minister for his recently deceased Catholic colleague is here a vulnerable duet between two men. Furthermore, there are poems by priest/artist Omer Gielliet, and an ode to Colin’s mother. Flemish refugees from the First World War who slept in the church adorn the cover.

Sober Maal was recorded by Tim de Gieter. Pim van de Werken plays the organ and piano.