Back catalogue: Balearic/Downtempo

Review: Marking the 25th anniversary of The Magnificent Tree, Belgian trio Hooverphonic release a special limited edition of their third album, available on translucent blue vinyl. This edition comes strictly limited to 1,000 numbered copies, each with a commemorative insert; its four core singles 'Mad About You', 'Vinegar & Salt', 'Out of Sight' and 'Jackie Cane' became career milestones for the ethereal band, clinging to the Flemish Ultratop 50 for 107 weeks as they continued to hone and plane their established blue noir, post-trip-hop sonic vernacular. Also marking their 30th anniversary as a band, The Magnificent Tree is probably the best touchstone to describe their coming of age, ripping up the the comparatively innocent sonic formula of Blue Wonder Power Milk.

Review: The 2025 vinyl reissue of the late 90s classic highlights the band's shift away from the trip hop stylings of their debut just the year before, embracing acoustic instrumentation to forge a unique identity among their contemporaries. This evolution showcases a more cinematic and textured approach, balancing eerie beauty with fresh, sophisticated elements. Central to this transformation is the introduction of Geike Arnaert as the new vocalist. Her haunting and elegant delivery elevates tracks like 'Battersea', where ethereal keys and oceanic textures create a mesmerizing, dreamlike atmosphere. The hobo and trombone on 'One Way Ride' add a distinct, Egyptian-tinged mystique, while strings and horns inject an Eric Matthews-like sophistication into 'Eden' and 'This Strange Effect'. The latter's reverb-soaked guitar and sampled beat recall Portishead's 'Western Eyes', evoking a hypnotic, spy-thriller ambiance. Acoustic-driven tracks such as 'Club Montepulciano' and 'Electro Shock Faders' introduce an intriguing contrast, with the latter channeling a Simon & Garfunkel-meets-late-Beatles vibe. The album retains a sleek, late-'90s European cosmopolitanism, being a shining example of the era's lounge culture and cinematic cool. The second half of the album, particularly 'Renaissance Affair', rewards repeated listens, as its subtle layers and evocative moods gradually unfold. Blue Wonder Power Milk succeeds with its meticulous production and atmospheric depth. The reissue is a renewed opportunity to experience the album's rich, multifaceted soundscape-an important piece that showed Hooverphonic's ability to blend elegance with experimental ambition.