Dressed like boys

Belgian songwriter Jelle Denturck, best known as the frontman of indie-rock band DIRK., arrives in Rotterdam with his solo project Dressed Like Boys, trading guitar swagger for a more intimate, melancholic pop approach. The listing frames it as a step away from rock violence and towards a record-collection kind of sound, pulling from classic pop and rock touchstones, with nods to David Bowie, Lou Reed, Elton John and Perfume Genius.

Musically, the palette is deliberately vintage-leaning, but treated with modern production: tape recorders, strings, Wurlitzers, Rhodes, crisp drums, and a fond relationship with the piano. Lyrically, Denturck is described as direct and personal, exploring themes like freedom, friendship, his homosexuality and relationships, while also addressing heavier subjects such as gaybashing. The debut album, released in the summer of 2025, is positioned as his most intimate work so far, with the volume turned down and the listener pulled closer.

Details
Date: Wednesday 28 January 2026
Doors open: 20:00
Start: 20:30
Venue: Rotown, Nieuwe Binnenweg 19, Rotterdam
Tickets: €16.00 (includes €2.00 service costs)