Originally from London and now based in Berlin, BLOKE, is an impressive new band led by German artist Jakob Buraczewski on vocals and guitar, and rounded out with Michelangelo Lamattina (guitar), Alex Kozmidi (bass), Michael Drummer (drums) and Martijn Smits (synthesizer, backing vocals. percussion). Making their debut with two singles, they have now released the EP, Living Without Expectations. It is an outstanding collection of songs that are often hypnotic, yet raw, noisy and experimental at the same time. With its driving percussion, wall of guitars and heavy psychedelia, “Money Says” gets things going and to me is somewhat reminiscent of Love and Rockets’ “Mirror People”. “Never Try” is a bit of a darker track, opening with a thumping bass and then shifting into droning psychedelia a la Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and The Jesus and Mary Chain. Thanks largely to the bass, “Up Tight” finds them moving back in a more upbeat direction, while still maintaining a noisy guitar driven drone. Love and Rockets comes to mind again a little on “So Do I”, which ups the psychedelia with swirling guitars and a slow, mesmerizing groove that draws you in. While that song shows a more diverse side to the band, the closing track “Tomorrow” displays even more. It’s more melancholy than the rest of the EP with guitars that at times have a psychedelic spaghetti western feel and even a little harmonica. A highly recommended listen and a band to definitely keep an eye on.
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