Nachtlicht - 14 Minuten

​Nachtlicht

14 Minuten
self-released; 2023

​​​​By ​Dino DiMuro
​

Nachtlicht the band was formed in October of 2022, and they just released the group’s third single titled “14 Minuten.” The band is composed of Das Ö (guitar/bass), Lompecard von Nachtlicht (vocals) and Myrddin (drums). 

Nachtlicht’s songs are described as “experimental, complex, provocative, contemplative, philosophical, artistic and very much off the beaten path.” They all have a “general gloominess and melancholy in common, with no two songs sounding alike.” Stylistically the band resists being described within a single genre, though a common theme is “darkness and a gothic atmosphere.” Their new track was recorded at home and also mixed by the trio using Studio One 5, with the drums recorded in the band’s rehearsal room. 

Aside from the single, there’s also a lyrics video which doesn’t help me too much as the words are in German. However I’m informed that they tell a narrative story about Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, while in a broader sense addressing “the anger when facing problems in the world that the individual cannot change.”

The music here is what I’d describe as very strident, stripped-down trio rock with a 2/4 beat and a paramilitary feel. The guitar and bass have a raw punk energy I really like, while the vocals are guttural, to say the least: phlegmatic narrating, chants and screams. It’s undeniably catchy and you could certainly dance to it. The middle section slows things down to a sedate 4/4 so Nachtlicht (the man) can take an awesome lead solo. 

​In general I find music from Europe way more political than Americans are comfortable with. I don’t see Assange as any kind of hero but I appreciate when artists take a stand, especially when it’s as entertaining as this track and video. Great work!

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