finetune artist: Deus

Formed in Antwerp, Belgium, in the early 90s, eclectic alternative rock band dEUS originally comprised Tom Barman (b. 1 January 1972; vocals/guitar), Stef Kamil Carlens (b. 1970, Belgium; bass), Jules De Borgher (drums), Klaas Janzoons (violin) and Rudy Trouv (b. 28 January 1967, Wilrijk, Belgium; guitar). Barman only really became interested in music in his late teens when he discovered the Velvet Underground and Violent Femmes. The first incarnation of dEUS, indeed, specialized in cover versions of those groups' material. Their earliest performances were at the Music Box in Antwerp, a regular haunt of actors, musicians and artists, from whom the band subsequently took much of its bohemian bent. At this time Barman had been joined by Carlens and the duo embarked on writing songs together. One of their first demos reached the finals of the domestic RockRally competition and afterwards they set out on an ill-fated tour. On their return to Antwerp they recruited De Borgher (previously their van driver), established painter Trouv (the band's only "real" musician), and Janzoons to cement the line-up. Sharing a mutual affection for the works of Captain Beefheart and Tom Waits, as well as jazz musicians including John Coltrane, the band set about writing a wide-ranging set of songs that zigzagged between a number of musical traditions. The first single to achieve widespread recognition was "Suds & Soda", which was followed by the similarly bracing "Via".

Listen to Deus at Finetune.

(2006) Pocket Revolution

Nothing Really Matters
If You Don't Get What You Want
Pocket Revolution
Bad Timing
The Real Sugar