THE SERIOUS FIVE
Listen on Spotify - Apple Music - You Tube Music - You Tube and other streaming platforms - follow on Facebook - Instagram - - get your copy on Bandcamp
You may also want to checkout Discogs
The Serious Five is a Belgian electropop band founded in 1988. The group emerged from the musical collaboration of members with a passion for synthesizers and new wave. Their style is characterized by a mix of electronic beats, dark melodies, and experimental sounds. In their early years, the band mainly performed in local clubs and on the alternative circuit. Their debut album, “This Moving Reality”, was well received in the Belgian underground scene.
The band was heavily influenced by acts such as the B-52’s, Talking Heads, Kraftwerk, and Depeche Mode. Their lyrics were often critical, socially charged, and somewhat provocative. Despite having a niche audience, they developed a loyal fanbase. After a few years, the band’s activity declined, and by the mid-1990s, they had faded from the spotlight.
In 2016, they made an unexpected comeback with a reunion concert. This performance sparked renewed interest in their music. Old and new fans came together to rediscover their unique sound. Their albums were also re-released digitally.
In the meantime, the band members remained active in the Belgian music scene, albeit through smaller projects. Their return was seen as a tribute to Belgian electronic music of the ’80s and ’90s. The Serious Five is an example of how alternative music can stand the test of time. Their influence remains noticeable among young electronic artists.
In 2019, they released Midlife Moves, a 15-track album tackling timely topics such as Trump-era politics, #MeToo, environmental concerns, and modern relationships—all set to infectious, rhythm-driven music with unmistakable influences from the ’80s and ’90s. For their live shows, The Serious Five expanded their lineup with guest vocalists, guitarists, and saxophonists.
The single "This Is The End" followed, offering a stark reflection on humanity’s role in environmental destruction, along with a remixed version of their classic track “Nevertheless” by Teologen.
Now, with a brand-new album on the horizon, The Serious Five return with their latest single, “This Is Reality”—a reimagined version of a fan favorite from their debut album, released by popular demand.
Their name — The Serious Five — was originally meant to be ironic. For although they tackled serious themes, they maintained a playful and self-deprecating tone. Their legacy lives on through performances, reissues, and fan initiatives.
—————————
The Serious Five is een Belgische electropopband die werd opgericht in 1988. De groep ontstond uit de muzikale samenwerking van leden met een passie voor synthesizers en new wave. Hun stijl wordt gekenmerkt door een mix van elektronische beats, donkere melodieën en experimentele geluiden. In de beginjaren trad de band vooral op in lokale clubs en alternatieve circuits. Hun debuutalbum This Moving Reality werd goed ontvangen in de Belgische undergroundscene.
De band was sterk beïnvloed door acts als B 52’s, Kraftwerk en Depeche Mode. Hun teksten waren vaak kritisch, maatschappelijk geladen en enigszins provocerend. Ondanks hun nichepubliek ontwikkelden ze een trouwe schare fans. Na enkele jaren verminderde de activiteit van de groep, en rond het midden van de jaren '90 verdween de band uit de spotlights.
In 2016 keerden ze onverwacht terug met een reünieconcert. Dit optreden leidde tot een hernieuwde interesse in hun muziek. Oude en nieuwe fans kwamen samen om hun unieke sound opnieuw te ontdekken. Ook werden enkele van hun albums digitaal heruitgegeven.
De leden van de band bleven ondertussen actief in de Belgische muziekscene, zij het in kleinere projecten. Hun terugkeer werd gezien als een hommage aan de Belgische elektronische muziek van de jaren ’80 en ’90. The Serious Five is een voorbeeld van hoe alternatieve muziek de tand des tijds kan doorstaan. Hun invloed blijft merkbaar bij jonge elektronische artiesten.
Hun naam – "The Serious Five" – was oorspronkelijk bedoeld als ironisch. Want hoewel ze serieuze thema’s aansneden, bleven ze speels en zelfrelativerend. Hun legacy leeft voort via optredens, heruitgaven en faninitiatieven.
Some great LIVE photos by Pieter Bouckhout. (pieterpb.com)
