Isbells

Isbells are a Belgian indie and neofolk group from Leuven, active since 2009. The band is led by Gaëtan Vandewoude and has included Chantal Acda, Gianni Marzo, Gerd Van Mulders, Christophe Vandewoude and Naima Joris among its members.

Formation and early recordings

The project begins as Vandewoude’s move away from years of playing in other Belgian bands. He performs as a drummer with the blues rock group Ellroy and as a guitarist with the emocore band Soon before turning to his own songs. He quits his day job, retreats to the countryside and records in a studio he sets up in a converted stable near his home. The early material centres on acoustic guitar, a quiet lead vocal and sparse arrangements, with added brass, banjo, percussion, electric guitar and vibraphone on selected tracks.

The debut Isbells album appears in late 2009 on Zealrecords. It is a self-titled release built around intimate, reflective songs inspired by Vandewoude’s surroundings, relationships, everyday observations and the world his young daughter will grow up in. It becomes a notable local success, with the single “As Long as it Takes” receiving strong radio play and the album reaching number 18 in the charts.

Live work and wider recognition

As the project develops into a full band, Naïma Joris, Bart Borremans and Gianni Marzo join Vandewoude for live performances. Isbells play small clubs and support artists including Mark Eitzel, Local Natives and Emily Jane White. They also appear at EuroSonic in Groningen and share a bill with The Low Anthem at Ancienne Belgique in Brussels. The band later plays venues including Paradiso in Amsterdam and supports Megafaun in Berlin, Munich and Paris.

Style and reception

Isbells are associated with soft, understated folk-influenced songwriting and acoustic instrumentation. Their early recordings gain attention in Belgium, the Netherlands and Britain, with support from Rough Trade Shop and airplay from Trevor Thomas, Rob Da Bank and Zane Lowe. The band’s music is often described through its intimate approach and restrained arrangements, with Vandewoude’s voice and guitar at the centre.