Totenwald

Amongst the smoke-filled basements of the Berlin underground lurks the dark punk quartet Totenwald. Created in 2014, Totenwald exists as an anomaly in their scene; more inspired by the early 80s roots of Berlin’s anarchist punk and Neue Deutsche Welle scene rather than more typical punk and hardcore tropes, the band incorporates sax and the cold dynamics of a drum computer as the backbeat for their guitar-driven sound. Initially the group comprised of Trish Tank, Sergej Pride, and Janis K. would coin the phrase “Immigrant Punk,” as each member hailed from various countries. In 2016 they released the Wrong Place, Wrong Time 12” EP, and began to make waves with their energetic live shows. After bringing in saxophonist Ruby Mai in 2016, they solidified their signature style as eclectic as the band members themselves: a hurricane of new wave glitz, chorus-drenched melodies, and piercing saxophone solos, all under the sway and allure of Trish’s frenetic, echoing tales of resistance to an impending dystopian future. February '18 saw the release of their debut full-length album Dirty Squats & Disco Lights, the first recording featuring their full lineup. This preceded the departure of guitarist Janis K., and subsequent addition of Fixed Lens guitarist Robert Hanna, indicating a shift to a darker, rawer sound and direction. In 2019 they recorded and self-released the 4-song Forward to the Past EP on cassette in support of their U.S. West Coast tour.