More on Keptman and the new album

There’s a small interview in De Morgen about Keptman. Tom’s also talked about the new album on Kink FM.

A short round-up:

• Tom recognises the band’s characteristic DNA in the song, particularly its use of semitone progressions, which can also be heard in tracks such as ‘Right as Rain’ and ‘Roses’. Interestingly, the song began with a simple voice recording made in Portugal. Even its title was accidental: sound engineer João Portela mistakenly removed the space from ‘Kept Man’, creating ‘Keptman’. Barman decided to keep it.
• The lyrics explore the almost addictive attraction of people or things that may ultimately be bad for us. Barman describes it as a kind of perverse dream: wanting something that doesn’t suit you, could hurt you or might even drag you down. The term ‘kept man’ itself refers to a man financially supported by a partner, although the song’s meaning goes beyond that literal definition.
• Tom is enthusiastic about Simen ‘s playing, singing and immediate connection with the group. At the same time, he emphasises that Mauro Pawlowski, who left the band following his diagnosis of early-onset dementia, will remain very much present on the next album.
• One of the song’s defining moments is its extended, dissonant finale. Barman jokes that the band does this out of a fear of death. His more serious explanation is that he sometimes simply doesn’t want a song to end. Although he considers himself a lifelong pop fan, conventional three-minute songs don’t always satisfy him, especially in a live setting. That’s why dEUS so often let their songs run wild in extended, chaotic outros.
• The influence of The Velvet Underground also surfaces in the lyrics, through the reference to ‘European Son’. Barman has carried that phrase around in his notebook for years as a possible name for a side project. He also admits that his attempts to write a song built around a single guitar chord invariably turn into something more elaborate.
• The new album is almost ready. According to Tom you should stay away from the album if you don’t like dark melodies and loud guitars.