Alt-Fest

Cold in Berlin return for 2013 with new single 'Take Control' the bombastic opener of their critically acclaimed second album 'And Yet'.

'Translators for our imploding society' was how ArtRocker described CiB's debut 'Give Me Walls'. Awarding it album of the month and later an ArtRocker album of the year. Since it's release our world has truly imploded and in many places exploded. All of which has provided much mood for thought for Cold in Berlin's second LP.

Showcasing an incredible vocal range vocalist and lyricist Maya broods, purrs and screams at the state of the world and her place in it. From the harshest growl to the softest coo in the space of a chorus, one song in a higher register, the next in a lower one. We wonder who they are going to compare her to now?

Though the band didn't experience much of the 1980's first hand CiB's current sound echoes an unfairly musically maligned decade. Not the synths of Tory pop but the brutal guitars of 'Our band could your life' albums from the fledgling alternative scene. Swans, Shellac and Sonic Youth from the US. And from the UK the chorus, reverb and delay pedals of Bauhaus, Joy Division and The Jesus and Mary Chain. The drums remain as solid as ever with pounding overdubs locking tight to future classic basslines.

"Maya's voice breathes heavy stories of volatile sexuality perfect for wrapping animalistic howls around their demented devil dynamics."

– Rock Sound

But it's the scale of the sound that announces itself on the singles '...and the darkness bangs' and 'Take Control'. If 'Give Me Walls' was dark and spiky, the follow up sounds like a solid black wall of sonic death. Darker, heavier, slower, faster, better. Haunting vocals over massive drums. Driving bass versus eerie guitar lines. Choral chants of historical reenactment. Detuned pianos, an Ebow and even a guitar solo!

Cold in Berlin broke of out the east london scene to play Offset festival, tour in Europe and share stages with bands as diverse as The Chapman Family, Diary of Dreams and Mater Susperia Vision. Still skint, heart broken and living on the fringes of society and acceptance, it is clear that alternative cultures romantic vision of DIY purity is no longer an option. And Yet...