Bachratten – Rockmusik LP (La Pochette Surprise Records)

Let’s be real for a second: we all need some good alternative rock music every once in a while to keep us calm, relaxed, and focused on those beautiful things in life. In times when bad news are popping up from all possible sides, ongoing global upheavals and conflicts are occupying social media, and reality may seem like a nightmare, there’s no better remedy for reality than a collection of marvelous alternative rock songs. And those are the moments when Bachratten’s latest full-length album, “Rockmusik,” jumps to the rescue. Released via prolific Hamburg-based record label La Pochette Surprise, this magnificent album contains twelve outstanding compositions capable of convincing even the pickiest listeners to sit down, relax, and contemplate life. Sonically, the band pairs decades of rich German alternative rock heritage with early-to-mid-nineties American alternative rock a la The Breeders, Dinosaur Jr., Pavement, Mudhoney, and many other similar music outlets, but as usually is the case, Bachratten in the end deliver their recognizable sonic experience that carries so many impressive signature moves. Perhaps alternative rock shines here, as the band incorporated all the fundamental elements of the genre in each composition, but you’ll notice how some other styles like grunge, garage, punk rock, and indie rock found their way into this sonic equation. Everything is so thoughtfully, wisely, carefully, and expertly assembled and incorporated, keeping in mind that those additional elements are there for decoration, accentuation, and elevation, while the alternative rock retains its primary purpose. Enhanced by modern music production, this material also leans towards a late eighties and early nineties sound, so there are plenty of qualities that will keep even the pickiest music enthusiasts occupied from beginning to end. It’s certainly one of those complex yet easy listening alternative rock albums that you simply need in your record collection.

Bachratten are experts in delivering that ultra-heavy, powerful, aggressive, fuzzy, colossal wall of sound by perfectly stacking guitar layers together. Layer upon layer creates a fascinating sonic universe with generous servings of fuzz and distortion, articulated sonic maneuvers, and syncopated strumming over the strings that feel almost motorik and pair flawlessly with every bassline and beat. Although fuzzy and heavily distorted, these raw, unfiltered, gritty, abrasive riffs and chord progressions have their place and purpose, immensely supporting all those beautiful, harmonious, melodic themes and leads delivered on a lead guitar. Both guitars function as total opposites in this sonic equation, yet they work together flawlessly from scratch to finish. The lead vocals, back vocals, and all the additional vocal layers bring even more melody and harmony through soulful, passionate, sincere, confident, emotive performance, guiding listeners through every segment, enhancing the listening experience, and serving as a centerpiece of this marvelous sonic experience. These vocal lines glide over all those guitars, pairing perfectly to every note and articulation. And it would be such a shame not to mention how the bass guitar brings more than necessary warmth, depth, clarity, melody, and heaviness beneath all that abrasive guitar work. In so many ways, the bass guitar serves as both a counterweight to the guitars due to its warm sound, and an immense supporter because it empowers guitars to sound even heavier and more powerful. Besides all of that, the bass guitar brings guitars and the rhythm section together, binding them in a way they seem like an unstoppable singular machine. The drumming is also insane here, with all those cleverly assembled rhythmic patterns bringing more complexity, detail, groove, dynamics, and power to every composition. Each hit of the snare, kick of the bass drum, accentuations over the hi-hat, and splashes over the cymbals has its place and purpose, making this material even more captivating.

If you ever considered yourself an alternative rock aficionado, you need to check out “Rockmusik,” an album that offers so many sonic delicacies across its runtime. Bachratten are not joking around with their music; they’re one of those bands with clear direction, a straightforward approach to alternative rock music, hitting and running with every vocal, sonic, and rhythmic maneuver, and leaving you craving more. And “Rockmusik” unquestionably offers a wild ride through an expansive alternative rock universe, so exceptional, captivating, and beautiful that you’ll gladly revisit this record whenever you need some cleverly assembled and flawlessly performed music. Head to La Pochette Surprise Records for more information about ordering this gem on vinyl.