De Kift

Busting straight out of the same scene as legendary Dutch punks The Ex, Koog aan de Zaan, Netherlands' De Kift are no spring chickens; with 6 records and 2 DVD's to their credit, De Kift have been perfecting their maniacal blend of punk, cabaret jazz, traditional Dutch folk music, and spoken word since 1988.

Although De Kift's initial goal was to "make music using text in one’s own language, with an accent on intelligibility," I imagine the majority of listeners won't be able to decipher a single word either vocalist is spewing out, rapid fire-style (the lyrics are entirely in Dutch). No matter, because the music is varied and interesting enough to carry even the most off-key rendition of the Reading Rainbow theme; luscious harmonies, searing brass melodies, and a jumble of found percussion brew up one delectable musical stew.

It often comes off sounding like two soused colonels lecturing a gang of unruly soldiers in a hollowed-out World War II bunker...and the soldiers just happened to pick up instruments and form a band that resembles Tom Waits' more wild-eyed moments.

De Kift have a new album coming out this fall on Maine-based label North East Indie (also home to Cereberus Shoal, among others) and are currently touring out and about their native Netherlands.

Official Site
Myspace

Mp3s:

De Maan
Nauwe Mijter
Guldentje Maar