Griff

Released in 2005, Griff's self-titled album is a significant entry in the Belgian neo-folk scene. Departing from the electronic-leaning 'Griff' of later pop iterations, this project focuses on a rich, acoustic tapestry that draws heavily from Breton, Flemish, and broader European folk traditions. The 13 tracks are a mix of traditional reinterpretations and original compositions that emphasize collective musicianship. Instrumentation is diverse, featuring prominent use of the bagpipes (binioù), bombarde, and various flutes alongside standard folk guitars and violins. Critically, the album is noted for its ability to modernize traditional 'An Dro' and 'Trolska' dance rhythms without losing their historical soul. It occupies a unique space between the academic preservation of folk music and the creative experimentation of the 21st-century indie-folk movement. The inclusion of tracks like 'Autumn Comes' provides a melancholic, seasonal bookend to an otherwise rhythmically vibrant and earthy collection.