The wait is finally over for fans of the experimental psych-noise rock collective Bloke as they release their debut EP, Living Without Expectations on February 14th via Tonzonen Records/ Cargo Records.
In a world oversaturated with predictable sounds, Bloke emerge from the shadows with a sonic assault that defies categorisation. Drawing inspiration from legendary acts like Spacemen 3, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, and A Place to Bury Strangers, the London/Berlin outfit craft a masterclass in controlled chaos, where waves of psychedelia crash against jagged post-punk rhythms and Krautrock persistence. Serving as more than just a collection of songs, their debut EP emerges as a carefully orchestrated soundscape that reflects society's collective response to recent global events.
“The project primarily revolves around my personal experiences in creating music and art, and contemplates the struggle of being human in the 21st century” lead singer Jakob Buraczewski adds “Ultimately, it represents a journey of self-discovery and artistic growth, allowing me to express my thoughts and emotions more freely. I hope that listeners can connect with these themes and find their own reflections within the music.”
Listen + share: Bloke - Up Tight (Official Video)
ntimate confines of a home studio before being meticulously refined in a professional setting, each instrument on Living Without Expectations was carefully re-recorded to achieve the perfect balance of raw energy and polished production. “It's a process filled with passion and dedication, where every note matters and every sound contributes to creating something truly special” says Jakob. The result is a cohesive sonic experience where feedback becomes an instrument of its own, developed through countless live performances and studio experimentation.
Listen + share Bloke - Money Says (Official Video)
Wile already released singles Money Says and Up Tight tackle broader political and social landscapes, the EP's standout track Tomorrow delves into more intimate territory. Here, the band explore how past relationships shape our perception of reality, weaving through the hazy fabric of memory. The song serves as a reflection on how we reconstruct our personal histories, even as time distorts the details. In contrast to the EP's more outward-looking tracks, Tomorrow captures that universal experience of how memories of lost love continue to echo through our lives, bending and reshaping our understanding of what once was. “Initially, the sound of the track may come across as repetitive, but it is merely building momentum.” Jakob expands “When it finally bursts into life with the roar of distorted guitars, the effect is truly poignant. This dramatic peak is made even more powerful by the soulful sound of a harmonica, highlighting the deep emotions in the music.”
Straddling the pulsing underground scenes of London and Berlin, Bloke have emerged as a formidable force in contemporary psych rock. At the helm is German artist Jakob Buraczewski, whose five-year immersion in London's alternative has shaped the project's distinctive sound – a blistering fusion of Krautrock's hypnotic rhythms, psychedelic textures, and raw garage punk. The band's reputation for electrifying live performances has earned them spots alongside underground heavyweights like Helicon and Verstärker (Fuzz Club), Data Animal (Dedstrange), Body Horror (Permanent Creeps), and The Shadracks (Sub Pop).
Bloke will play a release party on 15th February 2025 in Berlin