Album Review: Balance Balance by SavioBellini Et Leur Orchestre
Alright, let’s dive into this wild ride of an album. Balance Balance, released in 1989 by the Belgian rockers SavioBellini Et Leur Orchestre, is one of those hidden gems that feels like it came straight outta some smoky underground club where everyone’s wearing leather jackets and nodding their heads like they’re part of a secret society. The genre? Rock, baby. But not just any rock—this is good ol’ Rock & Roll with a twist, the kind that makes your feet tap even if you're sitting down.
First off, gotta give props to the cover art by François Walthéry—it's got that retro vibe that screams “I’m cooler than you.” You know, the kind of thing that makes you wanna pick up the vinyl (or cassette, back in the day) just to see what’s inside. And trust me, what’s inside doesn’t disappoint.
Now, onto the tracks. Let’s talk about "Flip" first because, damn, this one sticks with you. It’s got this punchy rhythm that feels like it’s daring you to sit still. The guitar riffs are sharp but not overdone, kinda like someone sprinkled just the right amount of spice on your fries. There’s a moment halfway through where everything drops out except for this killer bassline, and honestly? That little trick alone makes the song unforgettable. Feels like the band knew they were onto something special here.
Then there’s the title track, "Balance Balance." This one’s more laid-back but still packs a punch. It’s got this groovy swing to it, like the band decided to take a break from headbanging and just chill for a bit. What gets me is how smooth the vocals are—they don’t try too hard, just slide right into your ears like butter. Plus, there’s this saxophone solo near the end that comes outta nowhere and absolutely slaps. Like, who even adds saxophones anymore? These guys did, and it works.
What I love most about this album is how unapologetically itself it is. It doesn’t care if you think it’s too raw or too polished; it just does its thing and lets you decide whether you’re along for the ride. Released under the Blackjack label, it might’ve flown under the radar back then, but man, it deserves another listen now.
And here’s the kicker—this album reminds me of why music can be so dang fun. It’s not trying to change the world or win awards; it’s just a bunch of dudes jamming out and having a blast. Makes you wonder how many other rad albums from the '80s we missed because they didn’t have the big marketing machine behind them. So go ahead, give Balance Balance a spin. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find yourself flipping out over "Flip" too.
Oh, and one last thing—if anyone knows where I can get a poster of that cover art, hit me up. My wall needs it.
