Alternative Rock from Apewards

Hailing from Marburg in Germany, stoner blues rock trio Apewards has unleashed their raw and energetic new album, Akrasia. Known for their tight live performances and genre-bending creativity, the band cements their reputation as a torch bearer for alternative rock music in the modern age.

Following the success of their debut record, Tales of Cloud Forest, and the social-political undertones of their second LP, We the Living, Apewards faced a pivotal moment when founding member Vincent Krause departed in 2019. Embracing the challenge, the remaining trio of Nico Gehle, Lukas Plümpe and Frank Eckerle embarked on a process of reinvention, leading to the creation of two EPs, Peaks, Vol. 1 and Peaks, Vol. 2. With each release, the band’s sound evolved, shifting away from blues and stoner rock influences to embrace fuzzy, distorted guitars and psychedelic elements.

Last summer, Apewards retreated to the renowned Studio Red Roof Loftsound to record Akrasia in their revitalised formation. Collaborating with producer Matt Korr, known for his work with Tiamat, Daily Thompson and Knights of the Realm, the band adopted a straight-to-tape approach. The album’s nine tracks were recorded live, with careful selection and magnetisation of amps, microphones and effects onto the tape. This process resulted in a sound that not only hums and lives but also captures the essence of the recording room’s atmosphere and ambience.

Akrasia showcases Apewards’ commitment to their live sound, with the tape recording method emphasising the band’s core essence. The absence of post-recording shine or synthetic edits allows the album to retain its natural, unfiltered energy. Every aspect, from the meticulously selected equipment to the studio’s unique reverb, contributes to the record’s organic and pulsating aura, setting it apart from the polished productions often found in the digital realm.

Throughout the album’s nine tracks, Apewards immerses listeners in their grooving alternative blues rock sound. Opening with “Last Dance,” the album immediately makes an splash with deep, impactful riffs and soaring vocals. The slower tempo of “Take The Lead” embraces a classic rock vibe, building up to a crescendo of emphatic vocals and sensational lead guitar flair. “Death Cult of Daniel” unleashes furious energy with gritty guitar rhythms, pounding rhythms and subtle psychedelic touches. The album concludes with the spacey instrumental tones of “Half an Angel,” providing a sonic chaser that gently eases the listener back down to earth after the wild adventure that Akrasia offers.

With Akrasia, Apewards delivers an album that captures their live essence and showcases their growth as a band. Their recording approach and analogue mixing imbue the music with a rawness and authenticity that is often absent in modern productions. Akrasia is a sensational showcase of Apewards’ ability to craft powerful and captivating music, solidifying their position as a force to be reckoned with in the alternative rock scene.

Listen to Akrasia below