The Belgian folk/dronerock sextet Luster is definitely one of the few bands that gathered a reputation before most people heard them, but eventually manages to exceed the expectations. Started as an informal meeting around 2012 the band worked at a notorious slow pace. Throughout the years, we heard many releases by all the other projects of the band members (see below). But Luster kept stubbornly quiet, archiving complete recording sessions that other bands would have released without hesitation. The only document of those first few years: the (sold out) split 10” with Hellvete.
So instead of turning into a potentially prolific sextet, they really took their time to finetune their sounds, and turn into a tight but hazy sounding full band. Now, the result is something that doesn’t quite sound like anything else. Cello, flute, harmonium and violin blend in with the traditional guitar-bass-drums trio – making them land on a unique spot at the crossroad where ancestral doom folk, heady dronerock and spacious pop seamlessly meet. Kind of the missing link between Mazzy Star, Pentangle, Broadcast and Enhet for Fri Musik. It’s really that unique and that good, both live as on record. Which you can enjoy in all its glory now.
About the band members
So instead of turning into a potentially prolific sextet, they really took their time to finetune their sounds, and turn into a tight but hazy sounding full band. Now, the result is something that doesn’t quite sound like anything else. Cello, flute, harmonium and violin blend in with the traditional guitar-bass-drums trio – making them land on a unique spot at the crossroad where ancestral doom folk, heady dronerock and spacious pop seamlessly meet. Kind of the missing link between Mazzy Star, Pentangle, Broadcast and Enhet for Fri Musik. It’s really that unique and that good, both live as on record. Which you can enjoy in all its glory now.
About the band members
- Annelies Monsere: is steady releasing solo-albums since 2005 (on Bluesanct, Morc, Stroom), and active in the duo’s Distels (with ex-Luster member Steve Marreyt) and Hydromedusae (with Jessica Bailiff)
- Jelle Vanlerberghe: was the founder of the notorious beer soaked downer twee pop trio Joe Speedboat
- Lobke D’Hespeel: is best known for her work with Mote, but is/was active with Breezr, Gush, Loobke, Joe Speedboat and Best Parts as well.
- Elisabeth Cornille: was one of the hidden faces behind the Funeral Folk-collective Mollenhauer, and for a short time a member of the live-band of Edgar Wappenhalter
- Yumi Verplancke: has been doing the occasional vocal duties for Annelies Monseré’s solo-work, and for the infamous John Merrick Band
- Julie Lafontaine: started playing flute as a kid. Retired. Made a comeback.
Released on morc:
Luster
Morc 85 - lp (2022)
Talking about a long overdue debut. many recording sessions remained unused, until almost a decade after the start of the band, they release this wonderous album. a glorious blend of shoegaze and folk, giving them at a totally unique spot. eight tracks, moody, hazy and tight. let's hope we don't have to wait another decade for the next album.
--> repress available: 18 euro
--> click on cover for details
Morc 85 - lp (2022)
Talking about a long overdue debut. many recording sessions remained unused, until almost a decade after the start of the band, they release this wonderous album. a glorious blend of shoegaze and folk, giving them at a totally unique spot. eight tracks, moody, hazy and tight. let's hope we don't have to wait another decade for the next album.
--> repress available: 18 euro
--> click on cover for details
Split EP with Hellvete
morc 71 - 10" (2016)
Luster's take on the traditional 'Are you going to leave me?', in a lush full band arrangement. other side of the split: a harmonium-composition by dronemaster Hellvete
--> long sold out
--> click on cover for details
morc 71 - 10" (2016)
Luster's take on the traditional 'Are you going to leave me?', in a lush full band arrangement. other side of the split: a harmonium-composition by dronemaster Hellvete
--> long sold out
--> click on cover for details
Links
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Official website: luster.annelies-monsere.net
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