Jovink and the Voederbietels is a Dutch rock ‘n roll band formed in the early nineties. The band was formed by guitarist/vocalist Hendrik Jan Lovink and Gijs Jolink more as a joke than as a serious band. Without any radio promotion Jovink became very popular in the Achterhoek (Dutch area in the east-side of the country). They released two studio albums and a live album on many request. Since 1996 the band is no longer a joke and instead of writing funny songs, they started to write serious, good and solid rock ‘n roll songs, since then they released six studio albums and a live DVD.

Wakker Worden! (Wake Up!) is the ninth studio release from Jovink and the Voederbietels. The album consists out of typical Rock ‘n Roll songs (don’t let the Album cover scare you away it is really a rock ‘n roll album), best compared to international bands as ‘die Toten Hosen’ (Germany) and of course AC/DC and Status Quo. The album opens strong with ‘Wanneer Geven Wi-j de Strijd op?’ (When do we give up the fight?) followed by ‘Willen Jullie R&R’ (Do you want Rock ‘n Roll?) But the album surprises me in a positive way with songs as ‘A-j Bange Leaft Goa-j Bange Dood’ (If You Live In Fear, You Die In Fear), ‘Wakker Worden!’ & ‘Harder’ (Faster!) Although it’s typical Jovink their songs have never sounded so strong and so well balanced.

The production, again done by Gordon Groothedde, is just perfect. He gives Jovink the sound they need; Bright, Loud & Heavy as a rock!

Where it’s predecessors where rock ‘n roll and Rock ‘n roll only, ‘Wakker Worden’ also shows a more emotional or personal side of the band in songs as “Blief D’r Vanaf” (Don’t Tough That) and “Bi-j Allebei” (With both of you). This is probably due to the fact that new guitar player Hendrik Jan Bökkers brings in different influences.

With ‘Wakker Worden’ Jovink proves that they are absolutely on of the best Rock ‘n Roll bands from the Netherlands, who are about to release their best album yet! Those who like bands as AC/DC or Status Quo should really check out this release. Street date march 20th, www.jovink.nl)

P.S. The first thing I noticed when I received the album was the strange album cover for a rock ‘n roll band. According to the band the album cover should tell us to wake up (in Dutch: Wakker Worden {= album title}) and stop complaining all day about everything and nothing. there are people in the world that wish their only complain was the rain, the wind or the fact they don’t like what’s on TV tonight.