One of Berlin’s most quintessential bands triumphantly returns with the release of their self titled new album. I’ve been following the group since the late 2010’s and our first coverage on The Brvtalist appeared in 2020. Known mostly as a post punk/cold wave 5 piece, it’s been a pleasure to see how the outfit has evolved over the years. After two EPs and three albums made using DIY production methods from 2015 - 2017, the band entered their next phase by recording 2021’s Afraid To Leave at Leipzig’s renown Lala Studios. After a remix album earlier this year, they now come forth with their strongest outing to date, a self titled record that amounts to a fresh sound and a new era.
Out on Paris’ Young & Cold Records, Bleib Modern shows the band’s renewed self-confidence. I think we can call it a statement of sorts, ushering in a matured sound that is a departure from previous works yet still maintains the the essence of the quintet. Next to guitars, drums and bass, synths and samples makeup a recipe for a frigid atmospheric density, conjuring darker moods that remain infectious until the last note. The album contains nine new songs framed by an Intro and Outro which both set the tone and close things out fittingly. In addition, for the first time in the band’s history, they use German lyrics which no doubt adds to the mystical aura of the tracks.
Kicking things off is “Traum Boy”, a melancholic ballad which eases us in to the group’s romantic world. “Everywhere I go” is up next which picks up the pace and injects a rhythmic shot of contagious percussion that bleeds nicely into the anthemic “T.W.T.I.A.”. Next in line is “Fremder Junge”, a powerful piece where glam meets garage which makes for a perfect halfway point and a bridge to the remainder of the album. “Stell Dir Vor” dives deeper beneath the surface, introducing more electronic elements and casts a sprawling shadow which continues on with “Es Geht Mir” a German language work that feels soft yet conspicuously devastating at once. “Feeling Great” generates more energy and is certainly destined to be a fan favorite. “To Recover It All” keeps this energy going while “Rainy Day” lives up to its name and evokes dreary, doom laden emotions that takes us across the finish line. We’re not yet though as the outro piece “no dogs barking in the background” cleanses the palate with an ambient almost violent end which makes for a spectacular epilogue.
Long time followers of the band will no doubt be both surprised and thrilled with the new direction and as a whole, Bleib Modern has major potential to draw in a new, dedicated fanbase. While I would not classify it as post punk anymore, you can still feel that spirit and there’s definitely more cold waves rushing through this record. Overall the relase is sure to crossover to new genres and listeners and for the project this is a great thing.
Bleib Modern is out June 21st on vinyl, CD, tape and digital. Pick up the release at: https://bleibmodern.bandcamp.com/album/bleib-modern-lp