The Milk Factory is lead by guitarist Edmund Lauret (Nordmann, Kosmo Sound, ...) and pianist Thijs Troch (Nordmann, Jukwaa), both representatives of that adventurous Ghent music scene that has been causing (inter)national furor for several years now. Besides these two pivotal figures, the band is full of high-profile musicians who continue to make the cut with bands like Don Kapot, Steiger, Mòs Ensemble, Keenroh, ... and so many more.
Although quite a few of the band members are known for their raw in-your-face jazz, it was clear from the start that The Milk Factory would opt for an entirely different aesthetic. Simplicity and modesty was preferred to virtuosity and exuberance. Everything goes back to the essence: memorable melodies, close interaction, consistent atmospheres and songs. After a self-titled debut EP, their first full-length album "Aula" was released in 2020 and was embraced by the press. This was followed a year later by another EP 'Dusky' on which the typical sound was purged even further. Is it jazz? Is it indie rock? Is it folk? Is it contemporary classical? It's none of this and everything at once.
After three complete instrumental achievements, the band felt ready to release a vocal album for the first time. They sought and found the perfect partner for this in Swedish singer Hannah Tolf. After an extensive residency in and on behalf of BoZar, they finished a brand new record. The result was "Vandrare," which will be officially released on April 21 by Belgian jazz not jazz label W.E.R.F. records.
Band members Kobe Boon and Viktor Perdieus studied in Gothenburg for a year and met Hannah Tolf there. Tolf sings, composes and improvises on the interface between acoustic and electronic music, between pop and jazz, the familiar and the unexpected. This makes her an intriguing addition to the band, able to redefine its beloved twilight zones with that combination of dreaminess, intimacy and openness.
Vandrare is a treat for the ear, a feast for any open-minded music lover who loves to be drawn into an imaginative dream world.