Den Haan are the dynamic Glasgow duo of electronic disco grooves. Matthew Aldworth (Crème de Menthe – Disko B) and Andy Gardiner seemed to have met in some Italian discotechque circa 1979 if their sound is anything to be believed. However, they are far from a retro pastiche.
Having been responsible for unleashing "Release the Beast” (Optimo Music) and "Night Shift” (Dissident) on unsuspecting dance floors earlier this year, both records have been well received getting great reviews in The Guardian, Mixmag and The Wire. The latest instalment of their electrifying macho-disco, featuring "Heist” and "Russian Boat Commander” is available now on The Courier of Death, the new record label run by Aldworth and Gardiner.
The band formed in late 2006 after a chance meeting at a friend’s Birthday party. Realising that they had a profound love for the same type of music, they decided to get together in the studio. The name ‘Den Haan’ was selected after picking out a suitable entry from the Dutch phone book, only later learning of its English translation. They were convinced that this was the correct choice.
Inspired by the "Erich von Däniken” book "Gods from Outer Space”, not only the music but the live show started to take on an Intergalactic feel. After playing a particularly good show in July 2008, Den Haan caught the interest of Optimo (the long running world famous Glasgow club) who asked them to play at one of their "New Local Talent” nights. Despite setting the fire alarm off and clearing the club, the night was deemed a success and the band were asked back for subsequent shows including the Hogmanay party.
Not only establishing themselves as firm favourites of Optimo (Espacio), Den Haan have also worked up a sweat elsewhere, notably Fabric, Disco Bloodbath, Death Disco, Club 7 (St Petersburg), Rock Ness and the Italo-disco festival Magic Waves.
As well as focusing on their own music Den Haan’s remixes for the likes of Little Boots, The Phenomenal Hand Clap Band and many more, has also put a spot light on their music production skills. 2010 looks to be a similarly busy time for the band with a remix of Hot Chip’s next single "I Feel Better”, as well as the Den Haan debut album "Gods From Outer Space”.
The beast has been released!
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