ThisIsTheMusic

Amsterdam-based alternative act Klangstof is comprised of musicians Koen van de Wardt, Wannes Salomé, and Erik Buschmann. Ever since 2016’s debut EP, Closed Eyes To Exit, the Dutch 4-piece have swiftly established themselves as one of the most exciting European European exports, becoming the first Dutch artist to perform at both Coachella and Bonnaroo. This burgeoning reputation saw the band earn support slots with Pixies (including a show at Manchester’s Castleford Bowl) and they are set to go on tour with The Slow Readers Club, next month across the UK. 

Here’s our track by track preview:

Death04 gives a glimpse as to what’s come on the EP and takes us on a journey of sounds and influence. Starting off with an intricate folk-influenced guitar pattern and vocal, the tune features big synths and will just see you completely at one with the music. The outro with the guitar feedback is simply breathtaking.

Separated starts off with a hip-hop influenced drum beat and demonstrates the band’s versatility and intent on pushing and developing their sound. The electric guitar lines twinkle and provide the songs energy.  

Truth contains a real spacey intro, sweeping bass grooves and a sinisterly sweet falestto, sees the band dart into synth pop territory. The guitar has a reggae influenced loop giving the song a real burst of energy. Lyrically it deals with recognising and fixing your personal weaknesses.

The Alarm sees the return of the falsetto vocal and the influence of the shoegazing scene is very evident here with it‘s atmospheric, spacey sound.

Godspeed to the Freaks sees the tempo and mood of the album drop. The track is built around the dark, moody piano playing and simple drum pattern, before making way for a haunting synth line that gives the track an atmospheric and eerie feeling. 

Devil’s Lair opens with the distorted chime of keys and stuttering beats before shifting tempo with the introduction of slashing guitar threads and an almost choir like vocal. One of the standout songs of the album. 

Plastic Gun is a sweet sinister synth-pop record and sees the band channel sounds and influences from previous records. 

How I Feel, is a sorrowful, synth-infused track that slows the tempo with moody harmonies.

Disguiser is an upbeat tune, full of driving energy and chiming piano hooks that sees the band lift the mood and is a real standout. The middle 8 is a joyous and spine-tingling moment. 

All of My Reasons are Distractions is a relaxing and floaty tune, led by a piano that is set against the backdrop of swirling synths. 

Sylvia, is a slow-burner of a track, which slowly builds into a crescendo of crashing percussions and choir sounding vocals. 

Godspeed To The Freaks is a majestic kaleidoscope of synths, shoegazing, electronica, which combined together, will leave you totally captivated and spellbound.

Godspeed To The Freaks the new album from Klangstaff is released on Friday 16th September and is available to pre-order or pre-save HERE. 

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