De Staat

De Staat

De Staat is a Dutch alternative rock band from Nijmegen, in the Netherlands. The group is active from 2008 and is associated with Excelsior Recordings. Its line-up consists of Torre Florim, Vedran Mirčetić, Jop van Summeren, Rocco Hueting and Tim van Delft.

Style and formation

The band forms around Torre Florim, who writes songs and performs as singer, guitarist and producer. Its sound develops from a heavier, riff-led desert rock style influenced by acts such as Queens of the Stone Age and Kyuss into a broader mix that includes funk, dance rhythms, synthesizers and more melodic structures. The group is also described as alternative rock, indie rock and rock.

Albums and releases

De Staat releases four albums: Waiting For Evolution in 2009, Machinery in 2011, I_Con in 2013 and O in 2016. The 2014 EP Vinticious Versions reflects the band’s shift in direction by reworking older songs in the newer style. In 2021, the group begins a sequence of EP releases built around the colours red, yellow and blue, with each colour linked to a different mood or musical character.

Live reputation and recognition

After its debut album, the band appears at major Dutch festivals and stages including Lowlands and Pinkpop, and also performs internationally at Sziget and Glastonbury. Its live shows later include a large specially built machine during touring for Machinery. Waiting For Evolution receives several prizes, I_Con wins an Edison, and the band receives 3FM Awards for Best Alternative Act in 2011 and 2012.

Critical description

The band is known for a highly varied approach, with one description comparing its music to a mix of Beck, Kelis, Queens of the Stone Age and Nick Cave, often within a single track.