Reis Naar Een Onbekend Eiland: A Spoken Word Voyage That Sticks With You
Alright, let’s talk about Reis Naar Een Onbekend Eiland by Fred Bervoets. Released back in 2007 on the Belgian label Ultra Eczema, this album isn’t your typical “music” record—it’s more like an auditory art piece, a weird and wonderful journey into spoken word. And honestly? It feels like stepping into someone else’s dream. Or nightmare. Maybe both.
The whole thing is just one track—yeah, you heard me right, ONE—and it’s called Reis Naar Een Onbekend Eiland. The title translates to “Journey to an Unknown Island,” which sounds kinda poetic but also slightly ominous, doesn’t it? Like, what’s waiting for you there? Treasure? Shipwreck? A talking parrot? Who knows. But Fred Bervoets takes you there with his voice alone, no instruments, no beats, just him narrating something that feels half-scripted, half-improvised. It’s raw, unpolished, and totally captivating.
What makes this stand out (besides its sheer uniqueness) is how personal it feels. Listening to Fred speak, you can almost picture him sitting across from you at some dimly lit café, cigarette smoke curling around his words as he tells you stories about life, loss, or whatever’s floating through his mind. His tone shifts constantly—he’ll go from calm and reflective to intense and gravelly within seconds, keeping you hooked even if you don’t understand every Dutch phrase. There’s this moment near the middle where his voice cracks ever so slightly, like he’s holding back emotion, and damn, it hits hard. Feels real. Too real.
Now, I gotta mention the artwork too because it’s wild. Dennis Tyfus and Fred himself clearly had fun here—the cover looks like a collage made during a chaotic brainstorm session fueled by coffee and existential dread. Kermit Apetown nailed the layout, giving it this DIY zine vibe that matches the experimental nature of the album perfectly. Honestly, it’s not just music; it’s an experience, y’know?
Why do I remember this album? Because it’s unlike anything else I’ve ever listened to. It’s messy, imperfect, and deeply human. When I hear Fred’s voice crackling through my headphones, I feel like I’m eavesdropping on something private, sacred even. Weird flex, but I love it.
So yeah, Reis Naar Een Onbekend Eiland might not be everyone’s cup of tea. If you’re looking for catchy hooks or danceable rhythms, keep scrolling. But if you want something that challenges you, something that lingers long after the last word fades… well, this might just be your unknown island. Just don’t expect a map—you’re on your own here.
Oh, and one last thing: listening to this album somehow made me crave waffles. Go figure.
