The Arthurs is an alternative/indie rock band from Amsterdam/Rotterdam (The Netherlands), formed around Dutch singer/songwriter Robin den Drijver. The band distinguishes itself by its’ own unique style and sound. Listening to their melodic, dynamic, raw, beautiful, aggressive, dreamlike and always heartfelt music, will be worth your while.
Their debut album ‘When I’m Sane’ (2017) received positive Dutch press reviews, like the Popunie describing it as a ‘very strong debut and the perfect ticket to the biggest festivals.’ Den Drijver recorded almost all of the instruments on the album himself in his living room, accompanied by drummer Jetske Blonk.
Anno 2020, the lineup includes drummer Blonk, lead guitarist Dylano Hahury and bass player Martin Memelink. The band is currently recording their second album, this time as a full band, which will be released December 2020.
The Arthurs played notable Dutch venues and festivals and shows in Belgium and England. The band was scheduled to perform on the Bevrijdingsfestival on Dutch Liberation Day in May 2020, a big festival in The Netherlands (unfortunately cancelled because of Corona). April 2021, The Arthurs will support English legendary political new wave band Fischer-Z in De Boerderij, Zoetermeer, The Netherlands.
December 2019, the band released their first single and video for their second album: ‘Leave this Town’. A second one, ‘Red Letter Days’, a collaboration with Dutch actress and singer Kiki van Deursen, was released February 2020. This single received positive national (for example “Video of the Day” at Penguin Radio) and international press attention, especially from UK-based reviewers, like It’s all Indie (“The track is an absolute wonder, a real gem……it won’t be that much longer before the band goes international and captures their hearts) and Nova Blog (“Their music reflects a sense of musical completeness and expressive maturity, that has few equals”).
A third single, ‘Void’ was released April 2020. American blogger The Static Dive described it as “the mix of reverberated, moody vocals and high volume, melodic guitars reminds me of some of the best psychedelic and goth bands of the 80’s and 90’s. There are hints of The Church, Dinosaur Jr and Bauhaus. But The Arthurs definitely put their own spin on the sound. In the end, their brand of hypnotic Rock is all their own.”
July 17th 2020, The Arthurs released a fourth single and music video: “Something with Oceans”.
The Arthurs show their ambition with a strong live performance, like the Dutch Jitters Blog mentioned in their Westerpop Festival review, calling them ‘a unique indie rock band, different from others, that grabbed our attention to the stage immediately’ and is often predicted a great future.