K's Choice at the Grand Casino Basel - 20 January 2012

Belgium’s K’s Choice played a pared-down set at the Grand Casino in Basel to a highly appreciative audience on January 20th. Normally a six-piece, for this acoustic tour the band consisted of singer Sarah Bettens, her brother Gert Bettens on guitar and Reinout Swinnen on piano.

The stage lights were spare but effective, illuminating the three musicians as needed and putting the focus squarely on the music. And what music! The concert was awash in gorgeous three-part harmonies, acoustic guitars and piano. Gert Bettens proved a multi-tasker on ukulele and harmonica while simultaneously providing a foot-stompin' rhythm on the country-tinged I Wanna Get Lost, one of two new songs showcased during the concert. The band also unveiled a track that will be used for a polar expedition documentary, the music effortlessly evoking the desolate icy landscapes.

Songs from their last album Echo Mountain prevailed, with Come Live The Life a particular highlight. They didn’t shy away from their past, either, revisiting a sprinkling of tracks from sophomore album Paradise In Me as well as the poignant My Heart from their debut The Great Subconscious Club.

Sarah Bettens’ multilayered, husky voice astonished in this acoustic setting, with outstanding support from Gert Bettens and Reinout Swinnen. The standout moments were without a doubt the three of them singing in flawless harmony, a complete hush falling over the room. Superb.