Today, German-based musical collective Cologne Tape premiere the opening track from their second LP Welt. That song, “Welt 1,” shares a title with the rest of the songs on the album, differentiated only by its numerical placeholder. Methodically-paced, the tune serves as an appropriate opening movement for the eight-song record, which will be released on March 31, 2017 through the group’s own Magazine label.
The album was recorded under exceptionally-unique circumstances. Its inception was a gathering of the nine members of the collective, Ada, Barnt, Jens-Uwe Beyer, Jörg Burger, John Harten, Philipp Janzen, Mario Katz, John Stanier and Axel Willner. Over the course of one session in Cologne, Germany’s Dumbo Studios, the musicians performed a “concert for themselves,” with no given frame established. The result is a solemn, unfiltered look into the emotions of this group of artists. After the personal concert, Stanier and Axel Willner refined the impromptu material with synths and drum patterns. Finally, under the direction of Beyer the music was rearranged to fit a dramatic story arc.
The album also features contributions from friends of the collective who were present during the recording. Mexican artist Rebolledo, guitarist Burkhard Mönnich and singer Isis Lace make appearances; all contributions to the music were spontaneous additions.
The various members of Cologne Tapes are scattered around Germany, in the cities of Berlin, Hamburg and of course, Cologne. Their debut, Render, was released in 2010 as the first release for the collective’s Magazine record label. The members rarely meet and when they do it is done abruptly, which explains the six year gap between releases.
One of the most prominent members of the collective is Stanier, who is best-known for his work as the a drummer. First he helped pioneer a bludgeoning post-hardcore style with Helmet and then pushed the experimental boundaries of rock and pop music with groups Battles and Tomahawk.
Perhaps equally well-regarded is Axel Willner, who has made a significant mark on the world of electronic music under his moniker The Field. The Stockholm-born producer and DJ currently resides in Berlin and released his fifth LP as The Field last year, titled The Follower.
Cologne Tape – Welt LP
1 — Welt 1
2 — Welt 2
3 — Welt 3 (Magazine Edit)
4 — Welt 4
5 — Welt 5
6 — Welt 6
7 — Welt 7
8 — Welt 8
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