After nearly thirty years of camaraderie, musicians Benedikt Merz adn David Hänni from Zurich took a meaningful step by entering a studio together in 2019. They bonded over their mutual appreciation for psychedelic music, spending countless hazy nights improvising and creating sounds. However, while one was inclined towards live electronic performances, the other secretly aspired to form a band. This creative tension led to the birth of Dâdalus & Bikarus, a project that seamlessly blends elements of krautrock, punk, and big beat into mesmerizing dancefloor rhythms.
Their sophomore album, *Off the Shelf*, encapsulates the fervent spirit of those initial late-night sessions that have since defined their live performances. Built on extended loops, each track gradually escalates tension to exhilarating heights reminiscent of an ecstatic experience.For instance,on “Erebros,” which spans an impressive eleven minutes,driving drums paired with an intricate bass line create a dynamic push-and-pull effect that culminates in an angular acid-punk outburst. Another highlight is “Abolish Your Feed,” were a straightforward drum pattern evolves into a groovy Madchester-inspired rhythm enriched with layers of feedback throughout its progression.
The less dance-oriented tracks are equally captivating; “Kuhlio,” positioned midway through the album,evokes imagery akin to scenes from classic horror films with its heavy synths enveloping listeners like ominous clouds overhead. Interspersed within this narrative are moments when clarity breaks through—such as ethereal arpeggiated synths floating above murky beats or ambient sounds like tropical birds chirping alongside trickling water between songs—yet even these interludes maintain an unsettling quality that amplifies the overall intensity of this whirlwind musical journey.
new Releases This Month
This month also features exciting offerings from Hegoa’s latest DIY releases including *s/t*, a limited-edition tape by emerging artist Jmur. This collection presents warm folk-pop melodies intertwined with modular explorations reflecting various stages of his life experiences; standout tracks include his rendition of “When You Sleep” by My Bloody Valentine which possesses an added layer of graininess enhancing its melancholic essence.
Another noteworthy debut is A Profound Non-Occasion, crafted by Sydney-based group Each Day Toll, released under Tricky Cherish label. The album combines rustic guitar work with homegrown production techniques alongside straightforward lyrics delivered in vocals so genuine they evoke memories reminiscent of indie pop from Ok Records era.
For late-night listening sessions consider *The Work of Memory* by Düsseldorf duo Sequence of Events, associated with Salon des Amateurs (Subject to Restrictions Discs). Their debut weaves together EBM influences along with new wave aesthetics infused with shoegaze textures—a sonic representation beautifully mirroring their post-industrial backdrop.