Absynthe Minded

What began as a solo outlet for vocalist Bert Ostyn later became the Belgian band Absynthe Minded, which grew into a quintet after violinist Renaud Ghilbert, pianist Jan Duthoy, bassist Sergej Van Bouwel, and drummer Jakob Nachtergaele joined the lineup. The 2003 EP History Makes Science Fiction preceded their first full-length, Acquired Taste, released the following year and showcasing a singular mix of '30s jazz, funk-soul, Merseybeat, and Balkan pop; further albums arrived in the form of 2005's New Day, 2007's There Is Nothing, and the self-titled 2009 set. Once signed to French label AZ, the group delivered its first European release, As It Ever Was, in 2012.