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Berlin

Grizzly Bird – Backpacker: A Soulful Sojourn Through the Indie-Folk Landscape

Grizzly Bird (AKA Hans Gnendinger) presents ‘Backpacker‘, an attentive commentary enveloped in a melodious indie folk journey. This single, nestled within the anticipated album ‘Creatures‘, stands out as a synthy, lyrically driven exploration of the backpacking subculture, infused with a wit and insight that is both refreshing and thought-provoking.

Gnendinger, a stalwart of the Berlin folk scene, brought his Bavarian roots and urban experiences to bear in this track. His storytelling, honed through years of songwriting and life’s vicissitudes shines through in the light-hearted track which delves into the essence of human nature and our quest for meaning, all while maintaining a lightness of touch that is characteristic of Grizzly Bird’s style.

The lyrical wit reminiscent of John Grant, combined with the tongue-in-cheek reverie akin to Alex Cameron, positions ‘Backpacker’ in a unique space within the indie genre. Gnendinger’s voice carries the narrative with an effortless grace through the Radiohead-esque soundscape which exhibits Gnendinger’s skill with the acoustic guitar and his ability to weave complex emotions into his compositions while the synthy backdrop adds a contemporary edge to the folk foundation

In essence, ‘Backpacker’ is a mirror held up to a generation that seeks meaning in the nomadic, Beatnik lifestyle. Grizzly Bird, through this track, offers a perspective that is both critical and empathetic, urging us to question the romanticism of backpacking while also acknowledging its allure.

The official music video for Backpacker will premiere on February 16th; stream it on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Lotta St Joan created a scintillating mise en scene with the sapience in her cinematic folk single, Once

Lotta St Joan

With the opening lyric, “I’m waiting for someone to die to have a reason to be upset”, Lotta St Joan’s latest cinematic folk single, Once, will speak to countless people in ways they never knew they needed to be conversed with. Anyone who has always lived with black clouds lingering above them will know how compelling the idea of a real reason to mourn is. From there on out, the resonance only gets (bitter)sweeter.

Haunting enough to bring you to the brink of tears, consoling enough to make Lotta St Joan your new confidant, Once, with its mise en scene of a film noir classic reverberating through the crescendos, and the Southern Gothic timbres bringing a decadent sense of romanticism, is a masterclass of redolence.

No review of Once would be complete without mentioning how the Berlin-based singer-songwriter carries such emotional weight in her light yet flawlessly commanded vocal harmonies. With all the grace of a Chanteuse in her vocal performance and a scintillating sapience in the lyricism, Once could easily be one of the most affecting singles released in 2024. Although, I suppose it depends on what Lotta St Joan has prepared for her upcoming album, Song for the Undecided, which will be released on March 22.

Once will be available to stream on Spotify and purchase on Bandcamp from January 26th.

Find out more about Lotta St Joan via her official website and follow her on Instagram to stay up to date with her latest releases.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Cenzontle’s fusionist sound is sweeter than ‘Nectar’ in their latest seminal Latin folk release.

After enchanting audiences under the GlowStone Leaf Orchestra banner and producing 13 albums that weave a tapestry of profound narratives and complex harmonies, the delectably talented Berlin-based artist, Jorge Hernandez, who has been honing his rhythmic and raconteurial crafts for over a decade stepped into a new ensemble when he assembled the three-piece Cenzontle with Lucie Nana and Kim Kong in 2019.

Monikers don’t come much more apt than Cenzontle, which translates to “400 voices”; it is a nod to the Mexican heritage of Hernandez and the multi-layered essence of his work, which breaks the monocultural mould while proving music is a universal language.

The eponymous LP, which hit the airwaves earlier this year is an opportunity for immersion in a captivating fusion of traditional Latin American Folk and electrifying Rock, delivered with a digital twist. Whether you delve into the vibrant recording or witness the emotional and innovative depth via the live performance of the standout single, ‘Nectar’, you’re sure to be stirred by the spiritually transcendent experience which solidifies Cenzontle’s position at the forefront of genre-bending music exploration.

Stream the Cenzontle LP on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Please Tell Them: LAUBE moves slowly on with the relatable mid-life crisis anthem, Weeping Pilgrim

11 Songs of Love and Devastation by LAUBE

Taken from the recent release called 11 Songs of Love and Devastation, LAUBE cruises onto the lands of recovery to find that self-confidence and inner love again within the high walls of the powerful mind with Weeping Pilgrim.

LAUBE is a Berlin, Germany-based indie folk artist who delves so much further than most into real topics which can cause goosebumps in many arms with a genuine blend of introspective brilliance.

This song represents comfort to me, and was recorded right in the middle of my life crisis, as I survived from day-to-day. It’s about a humble pilgrim, whose slow step-by-step progress mirrored my own slow recovery process. Holding onto the hope that even the greatest sorrow might not pierce my heart so deeply.” ~ LAUBE

Easing our minds so brilliantly and bringing us something so splendidly honest, LAUBE has unearthed a scintillating single to be radiated by. This is something rare and special and for all the right reasons. With a world-class sound and featuring expertly written lyrics, we find a release for old-school souls who love original music.

Weeping Pilgrim from Berlin, Germany-based indie folk artist LAUBE is one of the most authentic experiences possible in 2023. Stunning all ears with something rather heart-calming and pure, this is a really outstanding soundtrack for reinvigorating the mind, body and soul.

Turn this up on Bandcamp.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

2077: Berlin’s Mezolozyde follows The Call and escapes from the dark forces

With a rather fascinating energy which will either stun or inspirit many, Mezolozyde sends our spines into shiver overload on the superb new single to turn up loud, The Call.

Mezolozyde is a Berlin, Germany-based indie alternative industrial rock project who slices massive holes into unassuming ears with a heavy presence.

The Call” is the name of the second single and builds on Mezolozyde’s first video clip. Connecting stories and elements taken from the lyrics, it reveals a futuristic and dystopian version of Berlin in the year 2077. Introducing a potential villain, a mysterious woman, the viewer notices that EzZe is being chased. They then travel with him through the hidden parts of this dark gritty future Berlin while at the same time taking in its glamorous and flashing facade. Once again the music video is directed by Martin Pedreira.” ~ Mezolozyde

Shaking our core and taking things into a movie-like experience, Mezolozyde shows us deep into the German mindset and navigates us into a rather scary and controlling world.

The Call from Berlin, Germany-based indie alternative industrial rock act Mezolozyde is a scintillating sizzler which might awaken those sleepy eyes to see the truth. Giving us a rather thrilling track to be amazed at, this is a look into the future. A scary look too. An exploration into what is possible. A reality check for anyone who hasn’t seen the evil which is possible, if wickedness wins.

Slam your ears in something different on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

On Her Own: Anna Helen drops an unforgettable single to heal the pain with on Healing

Gracefully flowing from her gorgeously sweet 3-track EP called Twenty to Self, Anna Helen shows us the fight needed when you don’t receive that extra love needed on Healing.

Anna Helen is a fresh-faced and vocally brilliant Berlin, Germany-based indie pop singer-songwriter who makes music for others to face those life-changing challenges.

I started writing poetry and short stories when I was just 10 years old. Telling stories and trying to connect with others through words and art has always been the moving force in my life. Soon I discovered my love for music, started playing the piano and singing my poetry instead of reading it aloud. When I realised that through my songs I can speak up for others and take a stand as well as work through my own obstacles it became my goal to share my songs with the world.” ~ Anna Helen

Looking for a special light to take the darkness away, Anna Helen wrote this song for those who needed it most. She kindly washes away all the past hurt and slides our attention away into the moment to start the lets-get-better process quicker.

Healing from Berlin, Germany-based indie pop singer-songwriter Anna Helen is a rather sublime effort from an angelic goddess who is showing us the way to a better path. Performed with a superb tone and featuring so many lyrically intricate moments to treasure, we find a track to feel okay with again. Finally.

The storm does eventually pass after all.

Hear this top new song on Spotify. See more on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Berlin’s KOLLISION rock out with speaker-busting force on Provinz

Provinz by Kollision

With a pulsating sound that smashes a hole in the window and gets the birds flying away rather quickly, KOLLISION is at their powerful best, with a truly awe-inspiring display on their new single, Provinz.

KOLLISION is a Berlin, Germany-based alternative rock/post-grunge duo who sing in both German and English and are inspired by legends such as Foo Fighters and Stone Temple Pilots.

Right now we are enjoying ourselves playing shows after all lockdown restrictions have been finally lifted.” ~ KOLLISION telling us about their relief that live music is back

Shaking our ears and core alive like we haven’t felt for years, KOLLISION wreaks havoc with a forceful display that includes illuminated vocals, which will wake you up rather quickly. Loud and proud, fierce and brilliant, this is a band who might snap a few guitar strings as they belt out an anthem for those who love it heavy.

Provinz from the Berlin-based alternative rock/post-grunge duo KOLLISION is the type of single that we all needed to hear today. Sung in German and showing us they are a force to be reckoned with, as they powerfully guide us into a land that has a mosh pit ready for anyone who needs to forget all their worries away. Good music does that, you see.

Open up the windows and blare this loud on Bandcamp while scrolling through their Facebook.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Hummana shows stunning elegance on the culture-rich single CARGA (Burden)

With such a beautifully mood-transforming essence and meticulous care to keep a vital creative movement alive forever, Hummana is rather spellbinding in a superb song to close your eyes with as your mind is finally set free on CARGA (Burden).

Led by the brave Cristina Vieira, Hummana is a Berlin, Germany-based Madeira Island-born Portuguese indie music project who is on a mission to keep the incredible culture of a homeland awake no matter what.

Cristina grew up in the Island’s unique cultural landscape with influences from Portugal, Northern Africa and Northern Europe. She was immersed in the traditions of the island that, nowadays, are quickly disappearing.” ~ Cristina Vieira

Searching for an updated approach to popular poetry and the traditional Madeiran Songbook while never losing its real authenticity, Cristina Vieira and Hummana shall have you wondering why music can’t be as pure as this all the time. Showing so much pride for being a part of a community that is so special, there is an ear-warming effort to appreciate for its fine artistry.

Vocally outstanding and with an ensemble of the highest quality musicians possible, this is a song that shall find you feeling so replenished.

The music of Madeira is simple and wise. It speaks of the pillars of life. It is work-music that is being played to the rhythm of the manual labour that forged the lives of the people of the island. It is also the music with which the Islanders have expressed love, grief and joy.” ~ Hummana

CARGA (Burden) from elegant Madeira Island-born singer-songwriter Hummana is one of the most illuminating songs of the year so far. With important cultural implications attached, this is an immense anthem that shows us all that if you are doing things for the right reason, it usually works out for the best. Great music heals after all.

Watch this new music video on YouTube and see more stories on their Facebook.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Graceful Berlin-based artist Raluca is quite scintillating on her excellent new single Thunder

With a wonderfully deep lyricism that reached the bottom of our soul on her previous single, Could IRaluca shows us her incredible talents yet again on the leaving-heart breakup infused single Thunder.

Raluca is a classically trained Berlin, Germany-based indie pop singer-songwriter, pianist and guitarist who has Romanian blood flowing within her veins.

She writes and sings about identity, love, the weight of loss and the possibility of new beginnings. Basically of life, with all facets. The result is energetic, yet at times soothing. Easy and deep at the same time. A blend of darkness and light given a voice.” ~ Raluca

Produced by David Nichols, Raluca urges us all to swiftly avoid those ghastly ghosts amongst us who don’t feel anything at all. For your precious heart’s sake, it’s best to hide away before your valuable shine is stolen forever by someone who just wants to use you as they see fit.

Thunder from the multi-talented Berlin, Germany-based indie pop singer-songwriter Raluca is a call to be left alone forever from a former lover who just wanted quiet away from that sapping energy. Courageous to the core and featuring striking vocals that will burn slowly on your ears, this is a single performed so majestically by a truly talented artist.

Check out this fine new single on Spotify and see more via the IG page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

mære feels so helpless when the new smile shakes her spirit awake on, ‘Pretty Crash’ (feat. gau)

Showing us a whole new person on a rather mysterious original project, mære leads us into her inventive mind that has found someone different to the rest, who has stopped her suddenly on ‘Pretty Crash(feat. gau).

mære is a Berlin, Germany-based indie-pop/alt-RnB artist and music producer with a superbly creative mind that takes you into her vividly emotive harmonies.

”For this project took on the identity of Cee, writing and producing tracks with a crew of international artists and collaborators.” ~ mære

Displaying a rather enchanting sound that grips your soul into this picture presented, mære navigates us through this intriguing performance that shall mesmerise each listener, as we are electrified to the core by an artist who makes the type of underground music you can’t help but appreciate.

The project was born from Cee’s (who never shows their face, hidden by a mask) desire to reflect and play with issues such as identity and image through the collective, and the willingness to confront and embrace the musical genres that helped them through a very difficult time.” ~ mære

Pretty Crash(feat. gau) from Berlin, Germany-based indie-pop/alt-RnB artist and music producer mære is one of those particularly thought-provoking tracks that have your mind swirling in this cinematic-like adventure. Her vocals are so uniquely ear-piercing, that shall have you closing your eyes and imagining this striking moment when everything swiftly changed even if you knew it might not work out long-term.

When you meet that special human, your heart tells you what to do, and it’s up to you from there.

Stream this new single on Spotify and see more on her IG music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen