Sankt Otten - Wunden Gibt Es Immer Wieder
[Hidden Shoal Recordings]

Mysterious German collective Sankt Otten return with a taster for their forthcoming album (due in December). The brainchild of percussionist Stephen Otten, “Wunden gibt es immer wieder” sees Sankt Otten stray from the sound on their devastatingly good “Wir koennen ja Freunde bleiben” album. The noir style constructed on their Hidden Shoal Recordings debut led to comparisons with Portishead, but on “Wunden...” we find Sankt Otten are in an uplifting mood

It gets straight to the point and is introduced by flourishing waves of cinematic strings and robust, mechanical percussion. But, just like their peers, Sankt Otten are dab hands at this sort of business and know exactly when to pile on the drama. As the synth backdrop intensifies, it is vaguely reminiscent of a titanic foghorn, while guitarist Oliver Klemm ensures his precise playing is never dominated by the luxuriant strings. It all ends on a gorgeous note as the band layer Disney-esque harpsichord ripples across the mix.

If “Wunden…” represents Sankt Otten’s euphoric nature, then B-side “Wandertag” is the composition that ensures they still have one foot firmly rooted in the dark, film-noir mystery that so defined their previous album. Guitarist Klemm truly shines here, plotting his subtle tones around a darkwave setting and militaristic percussion. It’s the sort of track that needs to be soundtracking the next Hollywood espionage blockbuster.

Track Listing:

1. Wunden Gibt Es Immer Wieder
2. Wandertag