Review NEÀNDER “III”

One of the most exciting newcomers in recent years is neànder from Berlin, Germany. The band was formed in 2017 and consists of Jan Korbach, Sebastian Grimberg, Michael Zolkiewicz and Patrick Zahn. The guys released their debut album in 2018, followed by the sophomore release “Eremit” two years later. With ‘III’ the next longplayer is waiting to be shipped to the record stores and here is what you can expect.

Neànder’s third effort contains eight songs, all instrumentals. “Hiatus” marks the beginning of the album and is a very short intro. Actually it’s the sound of a car door closing and that’s it. But there might be a deeper meaning behind this starting point of the album, as it feels like the beginning of a seven-legged adventure through post-rock.

“Ultra” is not only the lead single of the album. It is also the first song you meet on the album. The song is the perfect ambassador whilst showcasing the key characteristics of the four-piece. It is the peaceful piano part that opens the song before a dense wall of sound breaks the gentle spirit and reveals Neànder’s heaviness. Combined with a well-developed melody, the song spreads a melancholic vibe and a feeling of comfort at the same time. It’s this ambiguity that not only runs through ‘Ultra’, but is a kind of thread running through the whole album.

“III” also shows the evolution of the band. The blackened metal elements were completely relegated to the background, while the post-rock and doom momentum grew steadily. Songs like “Krater” are great examples of the excellent craftsmanship that allows neànder to realise their musical vision. From calm and esoteric pieces like “Black Sand” to wild outbursts like “Dust”, the album offers a wider range of sounds that still fit together perfectly. The mixture of these influences and styles creates its own dynamic, which is sometimes touching, and it’s some repetitive motives that lead to hypnotic moments.

With “Achse”, the four-piece also have a short and acoustic track on the album, a moment of reflection before “Staub” shows its stoner influences.

Another sample-driven interlude is “In Zungen”, while “Meteor 7” is not only the last track on the album, but also the epic highlight. It’s a majestic song with a moving piano part at the end. And what you think is the end isn’t. You have to be patient to discover that there is a continuation after a few minutes when the heavy riffs start again. Samples and spoken words add extra spice to the end of this fantastic release.

Neànder have the ability to create images without vocals. It’s their music that creates emotions and lyrics would be more of a hindrance, stealing the intensity from the music. “III” is not only the third album of the Berlin band. It can also be seen as the beginning, middle and end of something. It’s like a closed circle, and as there’s always a new beginning in the end, we can hopefully expect more great songs from neànder in the future. “III” is a dynamic album built on creativity, passion and dedication.