Painters. Teddy's Hit

Under every tile of Amsterdam, Utrecht, Groningen and Rotterdam's streeets an alternative rock band seems to be hiding. Where most youths appear to engage in rap, dance and games, another cross section of youngsters have taken up guitars, drums and some keyboards to make music like it was popular decades ago and give it a modern twist. With a level of quality that shows that these musicians have years of playing and practising, perhaps even studying music under their belts.

A new name, for me, is Teddy's Hit. My introduction comes with this album, Painters. Released on singer-songwriter Tim Knol's label I Love My Label, which is not a great surprise as Painters has some faint traces of Knol's punkrock record/band 'The Miseries'. Teddy's Hit is from Amsterdam and has a singing drummer, which is not the most obvious combination. The band has been working towards this release since 2016, slowly building a live reputation and repertoire.

On Painters Teddy's Hit combines early 80s new wave with 90s alternative pop and mix it with the quality of alternative, yet often very melodic rock the new generation Dutch bands excel in. Where bands like these in 80s lost me completely, this new generation draw me to their music like moths to a flame, without the danger of burning any wings. The music of Teddy's Hit combines alternative, prickly chords, rhythms and melodies with an easy flow in the songs that makes them so easy and enjoyable to listen to. I'm not afraid of calling several of the songs on Painters alternative pop. It's even a term they fully deserve.

Teddy's Hit's music does not come as a total surprise. There are clear elements of Canshaker Pi in some of the songs, without the revolutionary, radical edges that band had in its music. The way Kick Kluiving sings certainly lends a little from Willem Smit. Both have moments of boredom coming through their voices that can disappear in an instant, setting a song on its head immediately. With the band following within a flash, lighting a song on fire.

Listening to another great Dutch record within lets say six months its time to make a statement. The world raves over bands like Shame, Fontaines D.C., etc., etc. It's time we start raving about our bands so they notice across the border as well. The albums of Apneu, Global Charming, Jagd, Slow Worries and now Teddy's Hit can compete with the new U.K./Irish bands easily given half the chance. So Dutch export experts, get to work, as this new class of the early 20s fully deserves it. We have gold, perhaps even platinum in our hands. Some touring support, contact with labels, what not and who knows how far these bands can go?!

Something has changed from my personal perspective. Where for decades Dutch bands were usually an after thought, in the past years, I even buy albums regularly. Painters will be no exception here, as it is an album very much worthwhile listening to on a regular basis.

Wo.

You can order Painters here:

https://shop.excelsior-recordings.com/products/teddys-hit-painters

or listen to our Spotify Playlist to find out what we are writing about:

https://open.spotify.com/user/glazu53/playlist/6R9FgPd2btrMuMaIrYeCh6?si=KI6LzLaAS5K-wsez5oSO2g