Psychedelic Kraut band, shaped by the North London alternative scene Bloke, a noise and psych rock project originally from London and now based in Berlin, is rapidly gaining recognition for its unique fusion of Krautrock rhythms, psychedelic layers, and garage punk energy. Debut Living Without Expectations will be released on February 14, 2025 on Tonzonen Records.
Visions notes that “If Up Tight was a person, you would be reluctant to meet him in a dark alley at night. Frontman Jakob Buraczewski breathes hauntingly over his walls of guitars and the massive basslines of his colleague Daniel Armstong, which are also pushed forward by drummer Henry Brewer. The dark video, which is similarly intense and almost hypnotizing with light and distortion effects, shows excerpts from a crime scene from the 70s.“
The band tells us: “The song is a response to the struggles between individuals who, in their haste to achieve their goals, resort to taking undue advantage of others. It also reflects the tension that arises from the fear of not reaching those aspirations. It’s a reminder of the emotional toll such situations can take on people. These emotions are responding with such immediacy, mirroring the upbeat song structure. The escalating guitar distortion and tempo resonate deeply, creating a truly empathetic musical experience in this track.“
Fronted by German artist Jakob Buraczewski, who spent five years immersed in London’s alternative music scene, the band has built a reputation for its raw, intense performances and boundary-pushing experimental sound.
Bloke has shared the stage with notable acts such as Helicon (Fuzz Club), Verstärker (Fuzz Club), Data Animal (Dedstrange), Body Horror (Permanent Creeps), and The Shadracks (Sub Pop), among others. Building momentum with their two self-released singles, Satellite and Chewed Up, the band has already captured significant attention. Their latest live single, Survivor, further showcases their signature, feedback-drenched sound and thunderous, driving basslines.
With their debut EP Living Without Expectations scheduled for release in early 2025 through Tonzonen Records/Cargo Records, Bloke is emerging as a standout act to watch. Their dynamic live performances and ever-evolving sound continue to captivate audiences across Europe, positioning them as a fresh force in the modern psych-rock landscape.
Singer and guitarist Jakob tells us that Living Without Expectations“is envisioned as the foundational collection of sounds, noise, and concepts that would give life to the project Bloke in a musical sense. It was essential for me to ensure that each song resonates with the others, creating an interconnected and cohesive experience. The journey from capturing the essence of the songs in the intimate setting of a home studio to meticulously re-recording each instrument in the refined atmosphere of a professional studio can be quite an emotional rollercoaster. It’s a process filled with passion and dedication, where every note matters and every sound contributes to creating something truly special.“
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