A PLACE TO BURY STRANGERS Schallplatten & CDs

Review: Synthesiser is the third release from New York post-punk legends A Place To Bury Strangers on their own label, Dedstrange. After spending the early part of their existence releasing on labels such as Mute and Dead Oceans, seeing them settle into the saddle on their own label and thrive is encouraging to see. Afterall, it suits frontman Oliver Ackermann as he's had an indelible impact on the New York DIY scene after more than 20 years doing top level stuff. He's been steering indie record labels, running DIY spaces, and has his own pedal manufacturing company. Part of the joy of Synthesizer is that it's a feast for the ears thanks to the galactic trip it feels you're on with the custom effect-laden instrumentation and vocals. The avant-gade and experimental noise that they embrace comes from a collaborative and spontaneous approach to writing. Unlike the band's previous album, where Ackermann wrote everything on there, this is Ackermann with John and Sandra Fedowitz fully in-tow and it's about as far from a Pro Tools plug-in operation as you can imagine. This is a hand-wired masterpiece with some explosive and, at times, elegiac moods to immerse in. This is the music you wish New Order were making.

Review: A Place to Bury Strangers' seventh album, Synthesizer, is a celebration of spontaneous and natural sounds and features a new lineup with John and Sandra Fedowitz. Frontman Oliver Ackermann describes the album as chaotic yet human, pushing the limits of gear to create an "epic sound journey." Tracks like 'Fear of Transformation' deliver a snarling gothic techno-punk experience, while 'Have You Ever Been in Love' offers hypnotic, tribal rhythms. Recorded in their Queens studio, Synthesizer is one of the band's most live-sounding records, capturing the raw energy of their performances. The lead single, 'Disgust,' epitomises this with its open strings and high-pitched guitar cry. Ackermann's playful approach and dedication to the DIY ethos shine throughout, echoing the collaborative spirit of his Death By Audio venue. In Synthesizer, A Place to Bury Strangers melds extreme noise with catchy hooks, creating a record that is both wild and beautiful inside the experimental rock genre.

Review: Prepare for a transcendent auditory odyssey with The Sevens, a series of four 7" vinyl records unveiling a treasure trove of previously unreleased tracks from the sessions that bore A Place To Bury Strangers' acclaimed album, See Through You. Known for their visceral sonic assault and immersive live performances, the series offers fans a deeper dive into their sonic universe. 'Don't Turn The Radio'/'This Is All For You', the third release in the series, delivers a raw and personal glimpse into the band's creative process during the See Through You era. APTBS founder Oliver Ackermann explains the decision to return to their roots with this release format, allowing each track to speak for itself without album context. These tracks offer a stark contrast to the band's current sound, providing a snapshot of a moment in time.