Certainly no need to lose weight
Overweight established themselves as 'ones to watch' with the release of their debut album, "The World For Sale," but have yet to sufficiently spread their contagious ska punk tunes in order to gain a substantial following. However, the quintet seem eager to address this, unleashing their energetic new EP "Chapter 11" to the world in the hope of cementing themselves as one of the finest musical products to come out of Belgium in recent years.
It immediately becomes obvious that trumpeter Jurgen Ral and trombonist Gert Thielemans have developed a superbly tight connection and it is often the horn parts that shine through as one of the most promising aspects of Overweight's sound. It's surprising to consider that when the band formed in 2001, they were a brass-less punk rock band. However, the ska elements are applied very naturally within the Belgians' compositions and the horn section melodies undoubtedly enhance the liveliness of the rhythm section's foundations.
The EP, recorded and mixed in Belgium's De Studio, has been polished beautifully, with the vocal harmonies entwining effectively and each instrument given room to breathe and express themselves. The genre is one that can so easily be degraded by substandard recording quality, but Overweight need not have any concerns here.
"Chapter 11" certainly is an impressive five track release from the Belgian ska punkers. Sporting a wonderfully tight studio sound and a spirited personality, Overweight have illustrated that they possess a great deal of potential. They haven't quite yet managed to perfect the infectiousness of their hooks, but as soon as they do, they'll be an undeniable prospect. Songs such as 'Turbo' certainly indicate that their evolution is suitably directed, so it is possibly only a matter of time. However, we just need to take it one chapter at a time.