That fear was not irrational at the time: a survey among 1,300 Flemish published eight months later said that some 45.8 percent wanted Flanders to declare independence.Ī decade on, however, the scenario of Flanders unilaterally seceding from the Belgian federation, is dismissed even by those Flemish politicians who want an independent Flanders. The show struck a nerve and rekindled an existential fear in parts of the French-speaking side of the country.
Juncker, who was then prime minister of neighbouring Luxembourg, said at the time that the show's topic “was not the kind of issue you play around with”, according to the Associated Press news agency. Several high-ranking Belgian politicians called the RTBF “irresponsible”, and even current president of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker was angry.
Half an hour into the show, the concerned responses prompted the broadcaster to add a more unambiguous disclaimer, saying it was a work of fiction. The show began with the statement "this may not be a fiction", but that evidently eluded many viewers. The station received more than 30,000 calls from concerned viewers, who thought that the reported declaration of independence in the Flemish parliament, and the Belgian king fleeing the country, had actually happened. In particular French-speaking Belgians fell for it, given that the programme, Bye Bye Belgium, was aired on the French-speaking national broadcaster RTBF. Just like the 1938 simulated news bulletins that were part of the radio adaptation of HG Wells' novel about a Martian invasion, the Belgian programme had many people believing the portrayed events were real. MEP Demesmaeker: 'This is not how it will happen' (Photo: European Parliament).The record is out July 14th via Equal Vision Records. From the pulsing and emotional bounce of “Unannounced” to the pulverizing pace of “Waiting,” Back to Beautiful is an album people have to hear to comprehend the mind blowing, high octane performance from Picturesque. Here Picturesque showcase the burning influence that crafted Back to Beautiful, expelling the nightmares with a relatable and distinguishable presence that soars above the pitfall of love and feeling broken.Įvery track from this release offers moments of joy and beautifully crafted motifs. “Honestly” plays like a dissonant, heart shredding first dance that never was. Throughout the ride Hollis is there at every corner with a new way of enchanting listeners with that angelic voice. Picturesque utilize a complex form of dynamics to further push songs to their limit, with “Speak Softly” threading together different movements between every chorus, ranging from soft introspective flares to pulsing riffs laced with distortion. Easily the most powerful song on the album, it finds Hollis unnerved, etching demons into words and expelling them with powerful shrills. “Believe” is packed with aggression, with each sequence outdoing the previous in terms of raw, innate energy. The track’s transition into the refrain is entirely smooth, with a flood of melodies umbrella’d over the snapping drum line. “Who We Are” lies on the heavier side for the band, with a steady strut to the guitars with elegant tapped riffs circling around. While Hollis certainly deserves praise and attention, Picturesque offer more than an outstanding knack of vocal performances, providing enjoyable rhythmic delights with memorable lines of melody within the guitars and ambiance, showcased immediately upon pressing play to Back to Beautiful with “Fake Fiction.” The dancing guitar licks highlight the band’s ear for providing a damned right infectious tune through and through. As the song continues to expand with every part, Hollis finds new ways to astound listeners, causing jaws to drop farther and farther as the limits of Hollis’ range seem to be undefinable (the final note is a B5, an exceedingly high note for any vocalist to achieve with such power). The chorus beams with pop accents, highlighting how adept at meshing the frenetic energy of post-hardcore into the dashingly brilliant and irresistible tune. Lead single “New Face” is decorated in thrilling shrills from Hollis, weaving between the crashing instrumentals with patience and timing. On the higher and brighter end of Picturesque sits Hollis, with a range that is beyond impressive.
Even within this atmosphere, vocalist Kyle Hollis exudes impassioned urgency with a vocal performance that goes beyond words to accurately describe. An album that wades through heartache and moving beyond the realm it leaves people in, the twelve track release is more cordial than one would think. Lexington, Kentucky quartet Picturesque is shocking the entire industry back to life with their debut, Back to Beautiful.