CLOSE: The Driving Force of Modern Belgian Rock

CLOSE is a dynamic Belgian rock band that emerged from the vibrant Antwerp music scene. The group achieved significant commercial success with their 2022 album High Voltage, which debuted at number 3 on the Belgian Ultratop charts and was certified gold within three months of its release.

Early career

Formed in 2015, the band's original lineup consisted of vocalist/guitarist Bram Vervaet, bassist Lotte De Vos, and drummer Karel Janssens. Their early sound was a gritty mix of garage rock and post-punk, honed through relentless performances in local venues like Trix and Kavka. Their self-released 2017 EP, Static Waves, caught the attention of independent label Starman Records, which signed them later that year.

Breakthrough

The band's major breakthrough arrived in 2020 with the single Neon Heart. The track became an unexpected hit on alternative radio, leading to a signing with the larger imprint [PIAS] Recordings. Their subsequent debut full-length album, Echoes in the Dark (2021), solidified their status, spending over 40 weeks in the Belgian album chart and earning a platinum certification for sales exceeding 20,000 copies.

Key tracks

Neon Heart — This 2020 single broke the band nationally with its infectious guitar hook and became their first track to enter the Ultratop 50.

Wire and Flame — A standout from their debut album, this song's anthemic chorus is a staple of their live shows and received heavy rotation on rock stations.

Highway Lines — The lead single from High Voltage showcased a more polished, arena-ready sound and peaked at number 12 on the singles chart.

Blackout — Featuring a collaboration with fellow Belgian artist Tamino on vocals, this moody track demonstrated the band's artistic depth and willingness to experiment.

The success of High Voltage allowed CLOSE to embark on extensive European tours, including support slots for DeWolff and a headline performance at the Rock Werchter festival in 2023. Their music has been placed in several international television series, broadening their audience beyond the Benelux region. The band maintains a DIY ethos for their visual style, with Vervaet directing many of their music videos.

Fans of the driving rock of Balthazar will appreciate CLOSE's melodic sensibilities and Belgian roots. The gritty energy of Black Box Revelation is another clear touchstone for the band's sound. Listeners who enjoy the anthemic qualities of Millionaire will find similar grand-scale ambition in CLOSE's choruses. The raw, post-punk influenced edge of Soulwax can also be heard in the band's rhythmic foundation.

The music of CLOSE is a regular feature on alternative rock radio stations and modern rock FM stations across Europe. Their hits are frequently included in curated playlists on online rock radio streams that focus on contemporary guitar music, ensuring their anthems reach a dedicated and growing audience.

You can hear the powerful rock of CLOSE on radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover their discography, from early EPs to chart-topping albums, through the various independent music radio stations and classic rock FM stations available on onairium.com.