DEERHOOF [US]

The San Fransico band has been a lighthouse on the indie-rock scene since it was formed in 1994. Over the years and twenty some albums later they have been labelled everything from indie-pop to noise and punk. 

“Miracle-Level,” Deerhoof’s 19th LP, is a captivating musical journey that seamlessly blends whimsicality with energetic accessibility. This album, entirely sung in Satomi Matsuzaki’s native Japanese, was recorded with minimal overdubs, resulting in a confident set of tracks filled with small epiphanies. The band’s signature-controlled chaos, intricate melodies, and unpredictable song structures shine through, making “Miracle-Level” a testament to the power of anarchic creativity and the magic of music that transcends language barriers. 

FÖLLAKZOID [CL]

Föllakzoid: Merging Ancient Andean Heritage with Contemporary Soundscapes

Originating from Santiago, Chile, Föllakzoid’s musical journey started a decade ago when childhood friends Domingae and Diego delved into a trance-like exploration. Rooted in Andean heritage, their sound seamlessly merges with contemporary technology.

Their fourth full-length album, ‘I,’ on Sacred Bones, represents a purifying evolution. Unlike previous records, it took three months to craft from over 60 separate stems, recorded in isolation. Renowned producer Atom TM then reshaped these stems without restrictions, resulting in four boundary-defying tracks.

Föllakzoid’s ‘I’ is a testament to their mission of challenging musical norms. Join them on a voyage where ancient and modern meet, redefining the musical narrative along the way.

AVALANCHE KAITO [BE]

ANCESTRAL GRIOT EXPRESSION WITH POST PUNK ATTITUDE  

Avalanche Kaito (Glitterbeat) is a cutting-edge musical collective pushing the boundaries of genre. This diverse, globe-spanning group seamlessly blends rock, electronica, jazz, and avant-garde, creating an immersive sonic experience. Their live performances are a journey into uncharted territories, offering a rollercoaster of emotions and experimental exploration.

Kaito Winse: The guardian of the ancestral griot tradition, Kaito brings captivating vocal declamations and a deep cultural influence to the group.

Benjamin Chaval: A drummer and pure dataist, Chaval adds postmodern grooves and experimental rhythms to the mix.

Nico Gitto: An anarcho-electric guitarist, Gitto contributes to the band’s sonic innovation, creating a unique and unbridled sound.

Avalanche Kaito is not just a band; they are a force breaking new ground. Join them on a musical adventure that defies expectations and challenges conventions.

CHRIS IMLER [DE]

Grand seigneur des Berliner Undergrounds, legend Chris Imler is a musical joker that will take you to a mix of electro-pop, garage-rock and the naïve.

Imler is a one man force, a music veteran, a jack-of-all-trades, a drum dandy, a beat prophet, and an unmatched player in the Berlin indie scene. He has generated rhythm for artists as diverse as the Golden Showers, Peaches, Jens Friebe, and, most recently, Oum Shatt, but most of all he is a one-man magician band.

BABY IN VAIN [DK]

Baby In Vain embarked on their musical journey by delving into distorted, doom-infused rock and roll. With their debut album, “More Nothing” (Partisan), the band extensively toured Europe and North America, including supporting acts like The Kills and A Place To Bury Strangers. Transitioning to their second album, “See Through” (Escho), the band embraced a warmer, simpler sound derived from dreamy pop, capturing the hypnotic joy of being a band where the myriad possibilities of two guitars and a drum kit materialize into a more eclectic, direct sound.

Since their last album, Lola Hammerich, Andrea Thuesen Johansen, and Benedicte Pierleoni-Nielsen have individually explored diverse musical constellations, collaborating with artists such as Mø, Snuggle, Ydegirl, Friends With Bene, Mavourneen, Fine, Selina Gin, and others. While being away is enriching, home is where the heart is, and their collaborative work and solo projects have provided fresh inspiration for their natural habitat, Baby In Vain.

On February 23, their third album, “Afterlife,” will be released, featuring singles like “Got It In You,” evoking shades of both Black Sabbath and Beck with its dark and enveloping string arrangements, and the shoegaze-infused ’90s romanticism of “I Hate Everything.”

ASHENSPIRE [UK]

Ashenspire, an experimental metal group formed in 2013, explores contradictions in the contemporary capitalist world, tracing its roots from past empire-building to the neoliberal project. The band delivers challenging and abrasive musical textures within a progressive, post-black metal framework, incorporating sprechgesang, violin, and saxophone extended techniques. Debuting in 2017 with “Speak Not of the Laudanum Quandary” on Code666 records, a critique of British Imperialism, they’ve shared the stage with contemporaries like A Forest of Stars, Ash Borer, Vampillia, Vulture Industries, and CODE.

Their critically acclaimed follow-up, “Hostile Architecture” (released in July 2022), has garnered attention on critics’ year-end lists. The album delves into the return of fascism to mainstream politics, the widening wealth gap, and growing alienation. Recorded in 2020, it delivers a more explicit anti-capitalist message, drawing influence from Altar of Plagues’ harsh textures, Colin Stetson’s hypnotic saxophone, and Ed Scissor/Lamplighter’s bleak noir-hop soundscapes. Ashenspire leans into avant-garde jazz tendencies and metallic dissonance, channeling hardcore intensity in a deeply emotional burst of political rage. Catch them on their upcoming European tour and festival appearances in 2023, including Denmark and the Netherlands.

DRONGO [NO]

The Norwegian band Drongo have, with their fascination for wildlife, humoristic videos and riveting live performances, started to make a name for themselves in our neighbouring country.

The group draws clear inspiration from Norwegian legends as Casio Kids and Todd Terje. But they bring a bigger and more organic sound to the space disco/kraut rock/cosmic house (call it what you want) table, with band leader and drummer extraordinaire, Hans Uhre, directing the eight-headed creature forward.

Whether you prefer to own the dancefloor or bop your head with your hand clenched around a pint… You are in for a treat.

MEMORIALS [UK]

MEMORIALS is Matthew Simms of legendary band Wire (+Better Corners, It Hugs Back, UUUU) and Verity Susman of Electrelane. The multi-instrumentalist duo cover plenty of ground on stage, juggling instruments in a set up resembling that of a 5-piece band, veering from melodic songwriting, psychedelic noise, free jazz freakouts, tape loops and drones….and then back again. Their debut double album “Music For Film: Tramps! & Women Against The Bomb” was released in 2023 via The state51 Conspiracy label.  

CLAP YOUR HANDS SAY YEAH (PIANO SOLO) [US]

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, a dynamic indie rock band, burst onto the scene with their self-titled debut album in 2005, gaining acclaim for their distinctive sound. Known for their infectious energy and frontman Alec Ounsworth’s unique vocals, the band has continued to evolve, delivering a mix of indie, post-punk, and pop influences. With a discography that showcases their musical versatility, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah remains a vibrant force in the indie music landscape, captivating audiences with their engaging performances and timeless appeal.