With More Swing ! Affaire provides a direct follow-up to their debut EP Internal Swing which released February 2025 on V2 Records in collaboration with Muziekgieterij Maastricht. Four new songs boast the same electronic instrumentation formula as their previous record and title and cover clearly frame this EP as an addition to Internal Swing. Almost making the two EP’s look and sound like one album.
In contrast to Internal Swing Nick Caers and Michiel Ritzen, operating from their home studio, now took total control over recording, producing and mixing the EP. This resulted in four straightforward songs which are based on a rather minimal foundation. Bass and drums purposefully hardly ever change throughout a track, providing space for the vocals and Affaire’s beloved electronic machinery. Korgs, Moogs and Rolands are everywhere. And although the possibilities of said machines are seemingly endless, one limitation has repeatedly stricken the duo in its excess use of drumcomputers in particular: an inherent lack of human groove.
Whilst making this EP was foremost pushing the learning curve of being a producer and mixing engineer, it also bore a kind of void. So, as much as More Swing ! is an addition to Internal Swing regarding its musical content, the exclamation mark explicitly signifies a command for the future. Affaire might never again use drumcomputers. They feel they should never again use MIDI, for that matter. They should tip their scale from computing to organic-ing. And although Affaire are a bit fickle, it must be said that there have been longtime strong feelings towards reintroducing real drums in their records. Because that’s what they are: drummers. Thankfully, reality is grey and Affaire therefore is too. The time has come to obey their self-proclaimed command and put in some color to bring forth their debut album.
But first, we must swing. To celebrate both records, Affaire has put together a video of their complete liveshow at Ancienne Belgique Club from march 2025. During this show, and unbeknownst to the crowd, Affaire played both EP’s integrally. The set also comprises an additional two-and-a-half unreleased songs. Footage was captured by Vincent Lynen and Achiel de Vlerk on Hi8 cameras. Sound was recorded by engineer Flor Van Den Steen and mixed in post by Affaire.
More Swing ! Will release 16 January
5 Feb Live @ Club AFF, Hasselt
6 Feb Live @ Oh La La La (De Club), Mechelen
7 Feb Live @ De Lift, Turnhout