I have been closely following the music of Floris De Decker, who is also known by his performing name, Floris Francis Arthur, on our blog for quite a while now. Recently, I highlighted the second track from his latest album, titled What We Don’t Know, which I found to be an exceptionally compelling piece. According to the press release, this album marks a significant evolution in Floris’s music, moving away from the intimate and lo-fi bedroom folk sound of his debut.
In this new body of work, he embraces a bolder, more layered sonic landscape, thanks in part to the inclusion of a live band that brings a fresh energy to his compositions. The album features dynamic arrangements and orchestral elements that enrich the overall listening experience. While the foundation of the album is built upon melancholic storytelling—which has always been a hallmark of Floris’s writing—it also surprises the listener with moments of euphoria that feel like rays of light breaking through the shadows.
The press has provided some insightful background on the album’s creation process, revealing how Floris experimented with various musical styles and collaborative elements to shape this more expansive direction.
“Written between the solitude of a rocky outcrop in Tenerife and the transience of life on the road, the songs capture feelings of longing, uncertainty, and the ever-present outsider perspective. Tracks like What We Don’t Know weave haunting choral harmonies into a brooding bossa nova rhythm, while Waiting for America fuses gritty indie rock guitars with folk-driven harmonica.
The album was recorded largely in Floris’ home studio, with additional drums tracked at Roger Recording Studio and haunting viola parts by Esther Coorevits. The result is an expansive yet deeply personal record that blurs the line between vulnerability and grandeur.”
As I listened to the album, waves of nostalgia washed over me, reminding me of the captivating music of Arcade Fire, which blends folk influences with an upbeat indie rock sensibility. Floris appears to be venturing down a similar path, infusing his personal folk roots with a more energetic and accessible indie folk-rock flavor. Although I haven’t been immersed in this genre as much recently, the album served as a delightful trip down memory lane, reigniting my appreciation for this style of music.
Comprising ten tracks, each one has the potential to stand alone as a single, yet together they form a cohesive collection that showcases Floris’s remarkable talent. This album is evidence that embracing new challenges can lead to exceptional outcomes. Whether Floris is exploring the intimate sounds of lo-fi folk or diving into more vibrant folk rock, he seems to find comfort and authenticity in both realms.
One standout track for me has been Waiting for America, which features a stunning harmonica that adds a unique flavor to the composition. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the album and anticipate revisiting it multiple times to fully absorb its nuances and experience its powerful emotions.
Written by Filip Zemcik
