In 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, a new collaboration was initiated between Amenra's Colin H. van Eeckhout and idiosyncratic folk artist broeder Dieleman. With a live premiere scheduled at LGW that year, unfortunately this has to be cancelled last-minute due to COVID restrictions, but the duo did record a collaborative album, supported by Le Guess Who?, under the moniker of De Mannen Broeders.
Sober Maal is released via Relapse Records and features Pim van de Werken on organ and piano, and was recorded by Tim de Gieter in under five days at the 18th century church Doopsgezinde Kerk in Middelburg in the Netherlands.
Sonically, it is a haunting, droning, emotionally rich journey that feels rooted in a bygone world while still sounding wholly original, and has a melancholy air yet retains a hopeful feel. Colin and Tonnie’s vocals blend with the choir and a pared-back selection of instruments including a banjo, piano, hurdy gurdy and the powerful central organ – all intermingling with the sounds and echoes of the church. Listen to the full album below and watch our video portrait of De Mannen Broeders above.
Photography by Melanie Marsman
Video portrait by Eefje Vaghi, Koen Bouman & Sabine Maas
