BELGIUM’S hottest indie export Balthazar are set to rock Liverpool’s Kazimier in support of their new album Rats.

Brainchild of teenage busking, songwriters Maarten Devoldere and Jinte Deprez, Balthazar have been playing together for almost ten years.

Despite pressure from fans across Europe who had picked up on the duo’s excellent writing partnership, Devoldere and Deprez took the best part of five years to release their debut album.

Along with the rest of the band, the songwriters experimented with a variety of genres and styles before perfecting their unique sound.

The half-decade of intense touring across Europe allowed the group to test tracks, tweak songs and culminate ideas, before finally releasing Applause in 2010.

Receiving air-play time from the likes of Radio1 and Xfm, the debut was well received by fans and critics alike.

Three years later and Balthazar are set to release their brand new album Rats in the UK early next month.

The songwriting duo have taken influence from their heroes Leonard Cohen and Serge Gainsbourg on the new record, creating a more refined sound which combines beautifully written lyrics and experimental rhythms.

New single The Oldest Of Sisters is already proving favourite on Xfm, who have expressed interest in the forthcoming album.

The band’s UK fan-base is growing fast as they sell-out venues across the country, touring with US indie rockers Local Natives.

Balthazar will come to the Kazimier, Liverpool on Tuesday, February 12. For ticket details and news on the band, visit facebook.com/balthazarband .