WL//WH Track Of The Day : PAAR “Crack”

Track Of The Day PAAR

I still remember the first two lush and dark songs, combined with distinctive haunting vocals brimming with personality, one even a bold yet effective cover version of “She Brings The Rain” from Krautrock pioneer Can, in the Spring of 2015. Originally begun as an electronic duo made up of Ly Nguyen on vocals and Rico Sperl on the machines, Munich based PAAR soon found the perfect balance as a 3-piece with the addition of guitarist Matthias Zimmermann.

With just three more self-released singles under their belt, the last one in September of 2016, the 80’s influenced coldwave / post-punk / art-rock band, continue to have an intense live activity, especially throughout last year, supporting the likes of Molly Nilsson, Bleib Modern, Motorama, and even playing in New York.

PAAR has just announced the release, on 12″ white vinyl/cassette/CD and digital, of their 4-track EP “HONE”, originally sold at gigs only in very limited quantities since late 2017, due out March 26, 2019.

Dealing with themes of ambiguity, fear and denial, “Crack” ignites a profound bass pulsing like a heartbeat in sync with crisp pounding drums and wistful guitar melodies, pierced by trails of icy synths, arousing an eerie sense mystery and danger, fuelled beautifully with fierce tone shifting vocals from anxious, to angry and unabashed. Bewitching goth-infused Siouxsie-esque intonations, increasingly peppy and throbbing bassline, shimmering guitar leads, backed by restless tribal drumming, dance together to form hypnotic and sinister swathes of dark sonic tension and dramatic lure draped in sadness, confusion and alienation.