Aksak Maboul – Before Aksak Maboul (Documents & Experiments 1969-1977)

A journey through experimental, collage-like sound worlds that bring together elements of free rock, jazz-inflected improvisation and kraut-leaning rhythms, while also touching on folk, ambient and modular electronics – and already hinting at the radiance the Belgian band project Aksak Maboul would go on to develop over the following decades. This collection of 17 tracks reveals what Marc Hollander’s band Here and Now sounded like, a group formed in 1969 and dissolved again in 1972. It focuses on his solo output as well as early collaborations with Vincent Kenis. Extensive liner notes provide additional context.

In 1977, Kenis (soon to be replaced by Véronique Vincent) and Hollander released the delightfully skewed, light-footed debut album Onze Danses Pour Combattre la Migraine as Aksak Maboul, injecting a sense of playfulness and a pinch of humour into avant-prog. This spirit was surely fuelled by the exuberant eclecticism already apparent in the early works gathered here – despite their comparatively raw, lo-fi aesthetic. In its initial incarnation, Aksak Maboul consisted of Hollander (who would shortly go on to co-found the label Crammed Discs) and Kenis (later succeeded by Véronique Vincent).

That legendary label evolved into a network whose reach extended far beyond Brussels’ subcultural circles, drawing international bands to Belgium. Before Aksak Maboul is the first release on the newly founded sub-label CrammedLab, which not only looks back into the archives but also presents experimental projects and new artists.