Drangsal, a.k.a. Max Gruber, is one to watch out for; after releasing his debut album last year, the German solo artist has been gathering support in his home-country, including reaching no. 29 in the album charts and winning Best Newcomer at the prestigious ‘Preis Für Popkultur’. Ready to emerge in the UK, new single Allan Align is set for release on Caroline International, and will no doubt set Gruber on the path to success.
Initially setting off with eerie guitar feedback and white noise, Allan Align jumps right in with hurtling guitar licks. At home on this 4-minute wonder, the DIIV-ish guitar riffs showcase some obvious ’80s influences from the likes of Depeche Mode and The Cure. With clean kraut-rock guitars running throughout the track, Drangsal bundles in thumping drum beats and vocals to create an atmospheric gem.
On first impression, Allan Align may sound repetitive, but dig deeper, and allow the different instruments to ring through, and the track becomes a whole new level of catchy – if only we could keep Drangsal to ourselves …
Drangsal is hitting the stage in London in March, for more info and tickets head over here.
Words by Jasmin Robinson
