The new album from German industrial experimentalists Einstürzende Neubauten is called Rampen (apm: alien pop music) and has just been released, the band’s first recording since 2020. As the title suggests, it flirts with the idea of pop music – a format that is similar but not quite the same as pop in the way that we might know it (this is Neubaten, after all), mixing songs about the search for meaning and place in a mixed-up world – so yes, it’s a concept album of sorts that takes an alien interpretation of commercial pop into strange new areas. The title – ‘ramp’, as in a launching point, is apt as it takes tracks that were partially improvised and performed during their last tour and works them into something more organised and structured but which is still very spontaneous in feel. It’s prime Neubaten, accessible but experimental, moody and atmospheric with a sense of completeness that defies its origins. It’s the sound of a band who know their style but are still willing to push forward rather rest on their laurels.
The band are touring the album in September and October 2024, playing 25 shows across Europe – mostly in Germany but also taking in London, Stockholm, Oslo, Prague, Milan, Barcelona, Paris and others. Einstürzende Neubauten has always been an impressive live experience, so we’d suggest making an effort to secure a ticket while you can. Who knows when your next chance to see them will be?
Consisting of 15 tracks, the digital album can be bought for €14 (or more if you care to show additional support to the band) through Bandcamp: https://neubauten.bandcamp.com/album/rampen-apm-alien-pop-music
On the other hand, if you want to check out the whole album before buying, here it is, in its entirety via YouTube. Think of this as a listening sample before committing to spending money:
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