Nürnberg, a post-punk duo comprising Yury Luhautsou (vocal, bass, synths) and Aleh Sautin (guitar), hail from Minsk, Belarus. Today the band announces the release of Adkaz, their third studio album. The title, translating to “answer” in English, hints at the thematic richness within.
Formed in 2016, Nürnberg’s artistic vision is deeply rooted in the melancholic essence of post-Soviet urban landscapes. Their music reflects an exploration of existential themes, social issues in today’s industrial societies, and the often overwhelming pressure and fatigue of modern life. Yet, amidst this sombre reflection, their work also resonates with the essential human capacities for love and compassion.
Nürnberg’s sound, characterized by a moody ambience, is infused with a palpable energy, akin to Gang of Four, Chameleons, Talk Talk, and Killing Joke. Their compositions are imbued with a sense of melancholy, gloom, and desolation, all while being adorned with shimmering reverb and bittersweet melodies. One feels a sense of compassion nestled within this fatalistic dance music built on kick and clap drum beats, resonant, melodic basslines, and piercing, wistful guitar leads that intertwine with Luhautsou’s emotive vocals.
Adkaz presents a poignant reflection on the individual’s existence during pivotal historical moments. The songs delve into themes of aversion and mental health, resonating deeply with the contemporary Eastern European experience. This nuanced exploration of the psychological impact of such transformative times strikes a chord with listeners who are navigating similar challenges.
Additionally, the album weaves in narratives of love and personal experiences, broadening its emotional scope. These themes of love and connection offer a counterbalance to the more introspective and challenging aspects of the album, providing a multifaceted view of human experience.
Since their inception, Nürnberg has charted an impressive course in the music world. Their beginnings can be traced back to a demo released in August 2017. From there, their musical repertoire has blossomed, comprising two albums, Skryvaj and Paharda, two EPs, three singles, and two remix albums. Their influence extends well beyond the borders of Belarus, as evidenced by their European tour and performances at notable festivals such as Waves Vienna, Eurosonic Noorderslag, and AtlasWeekend Kyiv, spanning Belarus, Poland, and Russia.
Adkaz is slated for release under the German label Young and Cold Records on February 8, 2024. This new venture features eight fresh tracks, recorded in collaboration with Raman Kamahorcaŭ (Molchat Doma) and their sound engineer Andrej Babroŭka. Complementing the music, the cover and artwork for the album have been crafted by Belgrado’s Jonathan Sirit, adding a stunning Constructivist visual dimension to the band’s evolving identity.
You can pre-order the album here.
Meanwhile, the band recently released the excellent maxi-single “Znajomstva,” which you can listen to below:
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