FUKKEDUK

Sole album from this entirely Flemish band (even if half the title are in French) that seems to have been recorded between Ghent (recording and homebase) and Antwerp (production, label and fabrication) on the ultra small label Lowlands, which Ornitozozy is their third release. Musically the group hovers between X-Legged Sally (which is no surprise as Kuijken and Maris were regular contributors) and Flat Earth Society and the crazy first two Cro Magnon albums. It must be said that between 92 and 94, the progressive jazz-rock scene exploded in Belgium and that Fukkeduk is a part of this.

Outside the realm of Belgium, Fukkeduk will remind you of Alamaailman Vasaret, Uzva, and the Quebec counterparts of Miriodor, Interference Sardine and Rouge Ciel. One of the distinguishing marks is the regular uses of strings instruments as Kuijken (cellos) and Verstrepen & Klinck (violin) are often at the forefront, as is Maris' trumpet, however the sound is also one that approaches a big band (they're nine). The album rolls out smoothly with no weak spots, a lot of good moods, the odd humour, a lot of quirky "songwriting" and the album's highlight comes at the two thirds of the album, Brochen Sie Noch Em Bischen Sand?, where the group is very impressive in cohesion. There is a typical Gyspsy jazz feel coming from the horn section.

I wouldn't really call Fukkeduk essential, but it is very representative of the effervescence happening in Belgium at the time.