Tim Hughes enjoys some quirky banter with possibly Belgium's greatest living pop star - Bent Van Looy of the mighty Das Pop.

TINTIN, Hercule Poirot ... err ... the Singing Nun. When it comes to cultural icons, Belgium is not quite in the premier league.

Certainly it is better known for its chips, beer and waffles than its musical heroes.

Until now, that is. Because, coming straight outta Ghent, are a band being hailed as the future of guitar pop. And they are called, cunningly, Das Pop.

Hummable, danceable and highly infectious, their music has been championed by Parisian dance heroes Justice and has earned them support slots with the likes of Gossip, The Kills and Alphabeat. But why pop?

“Pop is such a small word, but it holds so much promise and so many dreams,” says frontman Bent Van Looy.

“That’s why we called ourselves Das Pop. It doesn’t mean anything, but we thought it was important to have the word ‘pop’ in the name.

“We wanted to play to people who wanted to hear pop songs – but make them bigger, firmer and stronger.”

He is speaking to the Guide from the back of the tour van while driving through snowy Yorkshire.

“I’m a bit hungover from last night,” he confesses.

“I’m still coughing from the peanut dust.”

What is this peanut dust he talks of? Some bizarre Belgian drug, perhaps?

“No,” he hacks. “We like peanuts with our gin and tonic, but the dust goes everywhere."

It’s an introduction to the strange world of Das Pop.

Bent met bandmates Reinhard Vanbergen and Niek Meul in a school playground in Ghent when they were 16. He had been expelled from school in Antwerp for taking revenge on a bunch of bullies.

“I had to do a runner,” he recalls. “So I lived alone in a small attic room.”

Having grown up in the middle of a forest with parents who wouldn't allow him to listen to anything other than classical music, Bent loved his new-found freedom.

“Pop music was a forbidden fruit for me ... I remember seeing Michael Jackson for the first time on TV at a friend’s place. I was enthralled and excited by that rhythm."

He adds: “One day we stole some broken bongos from the music room and practiced every recess. Things got more serious and one day we were sitting around the kitchen table and decided to be a band.

“We used to write songs in different genres, so we called ourselves things like The Jazz, The Funk and The Disco. And, best of all, The Samba!

“We also had one called The Rap, which we even recorded. Though I hope that it’s disintegrated by now!"

He admits he didn’t think the band would ever take off: “I remember vividly when we were 16 and hanging out at Niek’s place.

“We were daydreaming about getting on a plane or driving off to play a show. It seemed so alien and exciting.

“But now here we are, in a blue van arriving in Sheffield in the snow. It’s like a dream!"

If he is being sarcastic, he hides it well. Their self-titled debut album was produced by fellow Ghent guys Soulwax – among the world’s biggest producers. And Das Pop paid for their mixing skills by cooking for them.

Bent explains: “Niek’s the one who does all the cooking. He can do delicious stuff with anything you hand him, from truffles to Mars Bars!”

Now boasting Kiwi sticksman Matt Eccles, they’ve been busy making their stamp across Europe. And on Wednesday, they’ll pitch up in Oxford.

Bent recalls: “The last time we were there it was the most sensational thing we’ve ever done. I love the sheer craziness and warmth of the place. We were treated like kings or heroes.”

So what can the uninitiated expect?

“Our gigs are very physical,” says Bent.

We are more than just four guys playing guitars on a stage. And we don't spare the silver balloons!"

So can we expect Das Glam?

“Absolutely!”

He hopes the band’s success will also rub off on their native land.

“Belgium has had an image problem,” he concedes.

“People think of the French speakers arguing with the Flemish, and other problems. But remember, we are also the country of Technotronic and Plastic Bertrand.”

And does he see himself becoming the most famous Belgian?

“No,” he concedes. “That will always be Poirot!”

Das Pop play the Oxford O2 Academy on Wednesday. Doors open at 7pm. Tickets are £8.

The Das Pop guide to life: “We don’t believe in hobbies,” says Bent. “If you want to do something, whether it’s writing an opera, or going to the shop to buy a banana, make it your number one mission!”