Young, well-shaven, neatly dressed and with a natural feeling for fine songs. Handsome Poets was made for success. The editors of 3FM and De Wereld Draait Door did not hesitate for a moment in 2010 and presented the band as the latest sensation. And that is paying off. The group already had three singles in the top 100 and the self-titled debut album came in at number 24. The first CD of the five
… has been released on their own label, while Rough Trade does the distribution and promotion. In this way everything is kept in our own hands and a large audience can still be reached. Should Go Back To The Zoo now be afraid of losing their place as the hippest pop / rock band? To be honest, that is not so bad. Handsome Poets makes nice pop with a good dose of eighties synths, but is also very good. Although there are a few bangers on this disc, the material is rather thin overall. Especially Tim van Esch's vocals can be even more exciting. That is why the CD is hopeful, because Handsome Poets can still grow considerably. And then there is probably no stopping it. (JE)more
