Thalas - As it comes

Thalas is the band of Guus Herremans and Ward Dhoore, who have been meeting each other in the bustling Belgian folk circuit for more than ten years. You might know them from projects like Aelia, Airboxes, Entre Deux, Estbel, Les Bottines Artistiques, Nufolk Global Connections, Phlox, Siger, Snaarmaarwaar, Spilar and Trio Dhoore. Maybe you have also seen Ward at work at Arscene with his quartet earlier this year… After years of working together in various line-ups, they decided to form a permanent duo and tell their own musical story. Some collaborations grow slowly, steadily and with great depth. Over the past ten years, Guus and Ward have shared countless stages, exchanged ideas and built a quiet but close musical connection. Those years of artistic growth and mutual admiration form the basis of their debut album. With this first album, As It Comes, they celebrate the power of patience and the beauty of the process. Music that arises from trust, respect and the conscious choice to prioritize depth over speed. No hasty steps, no short cuts – just music that comes as it comes. Almost the entire album was written and worked out together in one room, a reflection of their intuitive dialogue and shared vision. Guus, known for his expressive diatonic accordion playing, brings a melodic warmth that has grown from years of composing in various projects. Ward takes on the role of producer: his production lets the music breathe and at the same time gives it a gentle push forward. Both musicians were previously selected by Klara for De Twintigers, a series that puts promising talent in the spotlight. Met Thalas they fulfill that promise in music that is at once mature, honest and powerful in its simplicity. Thalas is not just a new chapter, but a celebration of friendship and the pleasure of creating something meaningful together. Music to delve into, to dance exuberantly to and for everything in between. ‘As it comes’ received the title of 'best album’ at the last Flanders Folk Awards 2026, awarded in the Ancienne Belgique. Not surprising that they were therefore invited to the Dranouter Folkfestival last summer… You can find some video fragments here. Guus Herremans diatonic accordion, vocals Ward Dhoore guitar, soundscapes, vocals