Flat Earth Society (FES) is a Belgian avant-garde big band founded in 1998 by Peter Vermeersch, a former architect and key figure in the 'Belgian New Music' scene. Emerging from the ashes of X-Legged Sally, FES represents a bridge between the rigorous complexity of contemporary classical and the irreverent energy of the avant-prog and jazz underground.
The ensemble consists of 15 permanent members, featuring a massive brass section, accordion, and electric guitar, allowing for a sound that shifts from orchestral grandeur to gritty rock. Their work is characterized by Vermeersch's architectural approach to composition, often incorporating 'found' musical fragments and re-contextualizing them through dense, maximalist arrangements. The band gained significant international attention when Mike Patton signed them to his Ipecac Recordings label, recognizing their kinship with the 'Zorn-esque' school of high-intensity, genre-blurring improvisation. Critically, they are lauded for their ability to appeal to both jazz purists and experimental rock fans, maintaining a reputation as one of the most formidable live acts in the global avant-garde circuit.
Shares avant-garde jazz, saxophone, jazz fusion, playful (signature)
Shares big band, avant-garde jazz, maximalist, trumpet (subgenre)
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Shares avant-garde jazz, trombone, jazz fusion, playful (signature)
Shares avant-garde jazz, jazz fusion, playful, saxophone (signature)
Shares avant-garde jazz, jazz fusion, art rock, instrumental_only (signature)
Shares big band, trombone, avant-garde jazz, trumpet (subgenre)
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