Description
Originating from the heart of Amsterdam, the daring duo, Weval, known for their melodious endeavours in electronic music, found within themselves the courage to confront their worst fears to create their latest album ‘CHOROPHOBIA.’ Set to release on 5th September 2025, this record is a testament to the artistic evolution of Harm Coolen and Merijn Scholte Albers since their first rendezvous in a Utrecht café, back in 2010.
Overcoming the constraints of their reputation as a ‘listening’ act, it was their fascination with the term ‘chorophobia’ – the fear of dancing – that pushed them to step outside their comfort zone. Known for their EP releases such as ‘Half Age’ in 2013 and their notable live performances at festivals like Pitch and Amsterdam’s DGTL, Weval has diverged from the path of creating dance music. Still, with ‘CHOROPHOBIA,’ they took a deep breath and decided to drive the irony home.
Decades in the music industry have seen Weval experimenting and evolving, resulting in an extroverted album like never before. Traces of this evolution were first witnessed in 2024’s ‘Night Versions’ EP. However, with ‘CHOROPHOBIA’, they took their musical exploration to a whole new level, amplifying the guilty pleasures, higher BPMs, and an increased number of hi-hats. ‘CHOROPHOBIA’ was a playground with no boundaries, a place where they could experiment freely without getting trapped in the confines of predefined categories.
Coded within this album is a remarkable blend of inherent Weval tunes, and an exploration of new terrains, closely mirroring the sounds of Tame Impala and Motown era records. Musical giants in their own respect! This genre-crossing approach surges ahead, impressively paving the way for inventive tracks like ‘MOVEMENT,’ ‘JUST FRIENDS,’ ‘BETTER,’ and the engaging ‘HEAD FIRST.’ ‘DOPAMINE’ sets up the tempo for the album’s more nuanced, while ‘MERCATOR’ subtly joins the dots.
Before ‘CHOROPHOBIA,’ the Dutch duo had already ascertained their name in the electronic music realm with successful releases and profound live performances. Names of their EPs such as ‘Half Age’ and ‘Easier,’ along with their notable albums ‘Weval‘, ‘The Weight,’ and ‘Remember,’ remain etched in the hearts of their fans. Their transition towards the new fear-facing album signifies their growth from being a video production collaboration to electronic music pioneers.
As the years passed, their sound amplified, earning them visibility on the international stage with their eponymous album ‘Weval.’ Yet, it was their second album ‘The Weight’ in 2019 that hinted at their experimental leap. Here, marrying electronic music with soulful tunes and funk influences, they flaunted their versatility. This journey was further marked by ‘Changed for the Better’ in 2021 and the 2022 ‘Time Goes’ EP, all under the Ninja Tune label.
Now, with the upcoming release of ‘CHOROPHOBIA’, the Dutch duo is set to reach new heights by unchaining themselves from their past fears. Shedding their image as a ‘floor-filling act’, they are all set to conquer what they previously shied away from. A record that dabs into dance music, a hedonistic expansion to their decade-long sonic world, their fourth venture is a nod to the creative freedom they’ve found.
Crafted meticulously, ‘CHOROPHOBIA’ is an album designed for shared experiences. It appeals to their long-time fans while paving the way for a fresh wave of followers. It’s an affirmation that fears only limit us till we decide to face them head-on, and they sure are, like the name implies, ready to dance around their fears.
