Distant Relatives – Distant Relatives CS (It’s Eleven Records)

Distant Relatives’ debut full-length Distant Relatives is a rough, critical post-punk and deathrock slab that refuses to flounder in nostalgia, instead hurtling forward with an almost panicked intensity. Emerging from the twilight of Leipzig’s underground, the band delivers a record that slices through the genre’s recent mediocrity like shattered bulletproof glass, balancing haunting melodies with a persistent rhythmic force. The melodic yet shouty vocal performance is a heart and soul of this magnificent release. Marleen’s voice shifts and adapts like a chameleon, alternating between ethereal harmonies, searing chants, and biting lyrical wit. There’s a subtle touch of reverb that enhances the otherworldly quality of her delivery, wrapping around the jagged instrumentation like an apparition. The vocal range is staggering, low, mid, and high notes expertly glide across the sonic landscape, injecting each song with an undeniable presence and emotion.

In the meantime, Max delivers one of the finest guitar works you’ll hear on the contemporary post-punk scene. They rage and shimmer, drenched in distortion and chorus, creating a simultaneously vast and claustrophobic atmosphere. Jangly chord progressions dominate along the way, yet the interplay between layers ensures that melodies remain at the forefront. Each riff and lead line pulses with urgency, pushing the record further into its dark, hypnotic spiral. The combination of reverb and chorus effects amplifies the spectral ambiance, making every note feel like it exists just beyond the veil of reality. Albrecht’s bass performance drives behind the relentless momentum. The low end is heavy, clear, and profoundly resonant, inscribing through the mix with incredible presence. It’s a foundation for the entire sonic architecture, thick and unwavering, reinforcing the album’s cavernous sound. The basslines aren’t just rhythmic support, they snake and writhe through the mix, adding layers of tension and atmosphere, creating a spectral undercurrent that haunts every track.

Every beat, every fill, every sharp, controlled break delivered by Alex serves a distinct purpose. These rhythmic structures dictate the ever-shifting pace, from haunting, calculated dirges to frenetic energetic bursts that slam the listener against the wall. There’s no excess here, only precision, groove, and an unrelenting drive that propels Distant Relatives forward. His balance between restraint and outburst gives this material a dynamic sense of movement, preventing it from becoming monotonous. Lyrically, Distant Relatives explores sentiments, moods, and the weight of existence with poetic sharpness. Marleen’s words cut deep, narrating personal demons and an unfiltered relationship with the world. The themes resonate without relying on the overused tropes of the genre. It’s not a throwback record, but rather a fearless statement based on identity and raw emotion. The tension between vulnerability and defiance is more than notable, with lyrics shifting between contemplation and external critique, capturing a sense of unease.

Alexander Günther and JB Meyrieux did an incredible job while producing and mastering this material. The sonic balance sounds wonderful, with each instrument occupying space in the mix while maintaining an overwhelming sense of cohesion. The crystal-clear production allows the raw energy to shine without diluting its intensity. All these techniques resulted in an immediate and urgent album, yet layered and textured with precision and finesse. While many bands in the genre lean into familiar formulas, Distant Relatives inject a sense of volatility and unpredictability into their sound. The interplay between melody and aggression, beauty and abrasion, past influences and modern urgency, makes this album such a wonderful experience worth repeating over and over again. There’s a desperate energy that courses through the record, a refusal to settle into comfortable patterns, making each moment feel vital and alive. Distant Relatives have made a bold entrance with their debut, proving that post-punk and deathrock still have plenty of unexplored terrain. It’s a record that grips you, shakes you, and refuses to let go, a monolithic debut that stands as a crucial album filled with dark, relentless energy and ambiance. You should place this post-punk masterpiece on your music radar as soon as possible. Head to It’s Eleven Records for more info about ordering it on cassette.