Linus Vandewolken - Oude Geuze uit Niemandaal (Morc)

Linus Vandewolken’s Oude Geuze uit Niemandaal LP is an intimate exploration of both tradition and new, where McCloud Zicmuse - under his alias Linus Vandewolken - crafts beautiful tunes that merges the ancient with the modern contemporary. Zicmuse, an American living in Belgium, draws deeply from the cultural customs of his new home, especially those tied to folk traditions such as the aging of geuze beers and playing the hommel, a Flemish dulcimer related to the Appalachian instrument of the same name. Yet, rather than simply replicating these practices, Vandewolken uses them as a springboard to create something wholly original.

The hommel, which forms the core of this album, is treated not as a static folk artifact but as a vehicle for experimentation. Zicmuse employs a variety of techniques to unlock its full potential: fingerpicking, bowing, tapping - sometimes simultaneously - expanding the instrument’s voice far beyond its traditional role in Flemish music. This dynamic approach lends the album an almost alchemical quality, where the hommel, like a slowly fermenting geuze, evolves through layers of sonic texture.

The opening track "Terugkeer van de Kudde” is a perfect example of Vandewolken’s ability to innovate while maintaining a deep connection to tradition. While it may sound like a carefully constructed studio piece with multiple layers of overdubs it seems to actually be a live performance using homemade instruments, including a double-reed xaulos. The result is a seamless blend of sounds that feel lived-in, reflecting Zicmuse’s dedication to creating music that’s as much about the process as the final product. His incorporation of self-made flutes, percussion, and even his own voice - often humming subtly in the background. 

Beyond its experimentation, Oude Geuze uit Niemandaal is steeped in the idea of place. Vandewolken’s compositions span a five-year period, recorded across various residencies in France, Poland, Sweden, and England. Each location contributes to the album’s sense of movement and wandering, yet it never feels disjointed. Instead, the pieces form a cohesive journey, much like the way flavors in an old geuze slowly blend and settle over time. These travels also facilitated unique collaborations, such as the pump organ cameo by Christo Wallers in a chapel near Hadrian’s Wall, which adds yet another layer of depth to the project. 

The title of the album, Oude Geuze uit Niemandaal (Old Geuze from Nobody's Valley) is a playful nod to Belgium’s brewing tradition and in many ways it encapsulates the ethos of the work. Just as geuze brewers blend young and old lambics to create a beer that’s greater than the sum of its parts, Vandewolken blends traditional and experimental. The music feels earthy and organic, evoking the rural landscapes of Belgium and the ancient rituals tied to its land. But beneath this lies a more complex interplay of sound, where moments of distortion and mechanical interference - like the use of metal letterpress lines vibrating against the hommel strings - introduce unexpected rhythms and textures, challenging the listener’s expectations.

What makes this album truly compelling is how it balances minimalism with the rich. The music unfolds slowly with moments of silence punctuating the dense layers of sound. These pauses create tension, pulling the listener deeper into the sonic world Vandewolken has crafted. The album reflects his broad creative sensibilities -  Zicmuse is a multi-disciplinary artist whose work spans music, visual art, and even pottery - and his dedication to the craft is evident in every detail.

Hölkyn kölkyn Mr. Zicmuse! Hölkyn kölkyn Morc!