Absynthe Minded

Initially a solo vehicle for lead vocalist Bert Ostyn, Belgian outfit Absynthe Minded later expanded to a quintet with the addition of violinist Renaud Ghilbert, pianist Jan Duthoy, bassist Sergej Van Bouwel, and drummer Jakob Nachtergaele. Following 2003's debut EP History Makes Science Fiction, they went on to develop their unique fusion of '30s jazz, funk-soul, Merseybeat, and Balkan pop on their first full-length album, Acquired Taste, a year later and followed it up with 2005's New Day, 2007's There Is Nothing, and 2009's eponymous studio effort. After signing to French label AZ, they issued their first European release, As It Ever Was, in 2012. ~ Jon O'Brien