ABEL.

Abel creates Dutch-language songs in which a recognizable melody keeps the words close at hand. The voice tells the story without much distance, while the band sound carries the movement of the song.

De Stilte Voorbij places Onderweg among other songs. Neem Me Mee and the title track demonstrate how the band can make different forms of longing resonate on the same record.

Give the album a listen in its own order. A familiar chorus takes on a different setting when you also hear what happens before and after it.

Via NEDERPOP and POP, you can continue listening to Dutch-language melodies and the interplay of voice and band. The vinyl edition remains the starting point on this page.

BLØF makes language and band sound coincide in a different way. De Dijk adds more soul influence. Acda en De Munnik, Racoon, and Bente offer additional routes through the Dutch-language song in the selection below.

Listen to the moment when the band picks up under the vocals. A chorus doesn't suddenly have to get louder to gain more space; sometimes just one extra line is enough.