Bettie Likes It Rough

Bettie Serveert are back with a brand new record which was released beginning of this year. This Dutch band can be considered veterans of the Dutch alternative scene and make an important chapter in the Dutch music history. But what about today?

Bettie Serveert - Pharmacy of Love (Ronald Says 8 out of 10)
That's an easy answer: they are just as meaningful as they were 15 years ago. With this new record they even seem to return their roots. It's a typical Bettie Serveert record with some rough edges. Maybe it's the influence of Voicst drummer Joppe Molenaar who lays down some nice rock grooves. It's clear from the start when the album kicks in with "Deny All": Bettie is gonna rough it up this time.

The next couple of songs are a bit more slow though like "Love Lee" but unmistakably Bettie Serveert style. The familiar melody lines, guitar sound and of course Carol van Dyk's vocals fortunately are all there. Then with "The Pharmacy" it's back to speed again. "Calling" is an over 9 minutes long tune that slowly builds up into a heavy slow rocker but without ever getting weary. The album closes with screaming guitars in "What They Call Love" as if they want to make sure what their intentions are.

This album certainly is going to please most of the fans. It's everything Bettie Serveert is about and more. And it will probably win more people over as well.