Anja Huwe - Rabenschwarz (Official Audio)
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- Опубліковано 5 жов 2024
- From the album "Codes" out now on Sacred Bones Records.
Listen / buy: lnk.to/AnjaCodes
“Gothics”-a time before the word goth had even taken shape-believed in the do-it-yourself punk ethos that anyone could pick up an instrument. This, alongside the bric-a-brac fashion of Adam Ant and the long-winded atmospheric malaise of Bauhaus’ 1979 single, “Bela Lugosi’s Dead,” gray clouds were starting to form. And in the unlikely city of Hamburg, a brazen and haunting gang of five women formed Xmal Deutschland.
After Xmal Deutschland’s success with four albums on cult labels such as 4AD, lead singer Anja Huwe abandoned music to pursue her visual art career. But leaving her legacy in the past was not so easy: “Since the split in the early 1990s, I have been haunted by the ‘Legend of Xmal Deutschland’ and never-ending requests from all over the world, all of which I always turned down,” she says.
Invited by her long-time friend Mona Mur, Huwe reconsidered her decades-long hiatus from music and decided to join Mur in her studio in Berlin. Together, they worked for a year and a half, composing, performing and producing the tracks from scratch, which would eventually became the album ‘Codes’. Integral to the overall sound experience was the input of Manuela Rickers who added her famed signature guitar style. The collaboration was relentless: “Mona and I have a similar artistic background since the 1980s. We hung out together, and we sport a similar attitude towards life and art. We don’t have to explain ourselves to one another,” says Huwe.
“I discovered the new possibilities of digital and analogue music creation,” she continues. “It was a very intensive work, without egocentricity and completely in the sign of the realization of what we wanted to achieve. The project was in the foreground and was characterized by intense encounters with words and sounds. For me, it was a completely new experience-or, like painting pictures.” Mur adds: “Anja’s voice is like a spear, her appearance a torch in the darkness.”
Initially inspired by the diary entries of Moshe Shnitzki, who, at the age of 17, left his home in 1942 to live in the cavernous White Russian forests as a partisan, CODES is about the human experience and what extremes can do to an individual. “The result is a poetic, musical cosmos that encompasses the following themes: forest, fear, pain, loss, violence, and loneliness but also beauty, longing, hope and the will to survive,” Huwe explains. These thematic extremities cause an erraticism to CODES-a passing thunderstorm, a cyclonic burst of nature’s force-but one that exudes anticipation amidst the chill. With elegant production by Mur and Huwe and mixing and mastering by Jon Caffery (Joy Division, Gary Numan, Einstürzende Neubauten) epic builds crash and disseminate, the sleek synthesized drones of sound even feel claustrophobic at times.
The introductory song, “Skuggornas,” is weighted by the past: “I don’t regret anything I’ve done,” Huwe sings, mirroring the hefty anguish of a death ballad. Quickly, she growls in her native tongue with “Rabenschwarz,” a frenzied song - unmistakably energetic and expressive. The sharp punctuation of Mur’s signature electronic elements throughout the album help sterilize the hostility of Howe's vocals-this is especially apparent in the bleak harmonic resonance of “Sleep With One Eye Open.”
The interchange between languages is intentional, as shown in “Pariah”: “Since I sing multilingually, and often work with metaphors, I hope that the listener can grasp the moods without understanding them literally. This is often the case with Xmal Deutschland-I believe that voice, expression, and sound can achieve an overall atmosphere. Sometimes melancholic and blue, but also uplifting, vibrant, or subliminally aggressive.”
And it is with the addition of former Xmal Deutschland’s guitarist, Manuela Rickers, that CODES hints at the post-punk atmospheres of yesteryear. "The way she plays is unique, magnificent, almost unpretentious,” says Huwe. “Her often unusual tones are sometimes quirky. There is nothing like it.” Rickers’ guitarwork swirls maniacally (“O Wald”) or howls in sorrowful blights of melancholy (“Zwischenwelt”). However, it shines most in “Living in the Forest,” a song that harkens back to the grit of Xmal Deutschland: both eerie and danceable, the guitar intertwines with Huwe’s vocals in a way that feels like destiny. A musical cosmos, indeed.
Xmal Deutschland, now marked as forerunners of the post-punk movement, were never complacent but consistently ravenous in their attack throughout the 1980s. Huwe’s return is no different. Unexpected but long overdue, "Codes" is that missing page from post-punk’s history books, the freshly splayed paint across the decades-old canvas-it is the product of the tireless will to survive on her own terms.
Unbelievable! What an unexpected surprise. .This woman came back to show who's boss. 😮
Well said lol Well said
i met her briefly once in edinburgh was very thankful we had shown up both nights (stranglers tour) too see them - from my first hearing of xmal i was a fan
I was there first night! N also saw Xmal at the Venue in Edinburgh. Took some great photos that night@@dougmain4739
Someone asked for a translation below in the comments so I had a go at transcribing the German and put it through Google translate (which seems pretty good to me). I couldn't work out all lines so there's some bits missing, hopefully the full lyrics will emerge sometimes. Anyway, what a great song and comeback. Read up more about the inspiration and the themes of the whole album above.
Raven Black: Anja Huwe
We don't know / what tomorrow will bring / We move through time and space.
We don't know / what tomorrow will bring / We live like in a dream.
We already know / what happened yesterday / …. It was a nightmare before.
We no longer know / we do / we no longer plead / we act / we no longer tremble / we mirror / all alone / we no longer know / we do / we no longer plead / we act / we no longer tremble / we mirror / abandoned from this world. (x2)
We don't know / what tomorrow will bring / ... / We don't know / what tomorrow will bring / we have to pay up (?)
We already know / what happened yesterday / we survived it / we don't know / no matter how far / where the journey goes.
We don't know anymore... we don't know anymore...
Rabenschwarz: Anja Huwe
Wir wissen nicht / was morgen wird / Wir ziehen durch Zeit und Raum.
Wir wissen nicht / was morgen kommt / Wir leben wie im Traum.
Wir wissen schon / was gestern war / …. Ein Albtraum vorher war.
Wir wissen nicht mehr / wir machen / wir flehen nicht mehr / wir handeln / wir zittern nicht mehr / wir spiegeln / mutterseelenallein / wir wissen nicht mehr / wir machen / wir flehen nicht mehr / wir handeln / wir zittern nicht mehr / wir spiegeln / verlassen von dieser Welt. (x2)
Wir wissen nicht / was morgen wird / … / Wir wissen nicht / was morgen kommt / wir müssen schon begleichen (?)
Wir wissen schon / was gestern war / wir haben es überlebt / wir wissen nicht / egal wie weit / wohin die Reise geht.
Wir wissen nicht mehr … wir wissen nicht mehr …
Thank you very much. Good job.
Understanding the lyrics makes all the sense now.
@@VintageGuitarClubSP thank you, as I said it's not complete but you'll get an idea of most of it...
Thank you very much, my friend! That's very kind! It's so helpful to begin to understand the song!
Thank you
Correction:"Wir BITTEN nicht mehr, wir machen" (we no longer ask for, we act) and "Wir müssen SCHULD begleichen" (we will settle our debts).
ANJA UND MANUELA SIND WIEDER DA !!!!!! WAS FÜR EINE SUPERNACHRICHT !!!!!!!! ICH LIEBE DIESEN SONG !!!!!! I LOVE ANJA; MANUELA UND X-MAL DEUTSCHLAND !!!!!!! ICH HOFFE ICH SEHE EUCH LIVE IN GERMANY !!!!! EURE MUSIK IST EINFACH SUPERPHÄNOMENAL !!!!!!!!!
Could you please post the lyrics here, if you can my friend?
A dream come true, lets hope Anja and Manuela need to perform this live.
This was an unexpected delight. Anja's voice has a lower timbre now, getting closer to Nina Hagen, but I like it. Anja sings well and her voice is just as powerful as ever. I was also pleased to see that they were releasing a set of early Xmal Deutschland singles on the same day as Anja's new LP.
Wow! This sounds like that early raw Xmal that I love! After hearing this I just pre-ordered the Codes LP and the singles compilation from Rough Trade!
Absolutely fantastic news!! Didn't see this coming at all. What an amazing start to 2024. Can't wait for the new album!
What a surprise to hear Anja Huwe singing again!
I'm really looking forward to their upcoming release !!
OMG this is AMAZING - just like old Xmal!! WONDERFUL to see Anja back!
Congrats Manuela Rickers too. Essential.
Oh hell yeah! This is boss!
ATTENTION NEON GENERATION OF GENERATIONS:
Anja Huwe, dinge an Ihren Platz bringen neben
Manuela Rickers.Das projekt gut. Die Blumen sind für dich!
Endlich...mal wieder etwas Gutes aus Deutschland, so lange drauf gewartet, nicht mehr dran geglaubt, und dann kommt das hier....Es gibt wieder Hoffnung.
I’m beyond excited about this. Been a fan of Xmal Deutschland since the late 80s - used to have license plates on my car that read “XMAL D” and you can see from my user name that hasn’t changed. I’ve dreamt of this - new music and the reissues - for years!!
Frontiere rock French radio show love and play this song
I've listened to xmal before . Great stuff . So is this . Just wish I understood German though . 😮 Sydney Australia 🦘🦘🦘 11/1/2024
IMPRESSIVE !!!
QUEEN ANJA IS BACK!!!
what a pleasant surprise. Anja's long-awaited return for decades. Great song. Greetings from Mexico ❤🇲🇽
Genial.Die Platte muss ich mir bestellen.Der Mix aus Gitarren und Industrial Beats ist genau mein Ding.
Breath Of fresh air for 2024
this is Anja Huwe at her very BEST ! Joyful listening indeed
Great Great Great. A Total surprise. Sounds like The original X Mal Deutschland….
Finally; Anja getting back to music... TBH, I've never stopped hoping.
I am so satisfied and grateful that Anja Huwe is back with a new album after many years ! 🙏🙏🙏🖤🖤🖤
That's exactly what the world needs, clear message, super clear beat... reminds me a bit of "Nebel" by Mona.. but the tempo is awesome... 1000 points
Excellent. Very powerful.
Sehr toller Song! Was für ein Comeback!!! Ich habe neulich noch die "Tocsin" gehört, eine meiner Lieblings-LPs🥰, mit genialen Texten und einem unnachahmlichen🎸-Sound, und jetzt kann ich mich auf den 8.März freuen. Ich bin sehr gespannt🙃--- für Anja🌹- für Mona🌹- für Manuela🌹
Great track. Dark and dancey!
Only seen Xmal once on the Viva tour. Hope Anja does some UK shows again!
fantastic return to form
This is crazy! I can't believe that we are lucky enough to have this comeback
Anja kisses from Brazil 😘😘😘🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷❤❤❤
This woman/band are totally new to me.....bloody loved this !!!
Welcome back, Anja 💜
wow - this is a complete surprise and a very welcome one
This goddess of goth never disappoints.
soo good
Awesome! Welcome back ANJA~! You were sorely missed! 😍
Es increíble que estes de vuelta, mucho amor desde México. 🇲🇽 Xmal. 🖤
Great energy!
Brilliant
Excellent ANJA!!!
Anja, das war lange überfällig! Sehr geil, freue mich auf das neue Album, das ich gleich preordern werde!
Love it!
wwowowwowo great surprise and comeback. this track is excellent been a fan of xmal deutschland for decades cant wait to hear new album, manuela rickers is involved too amazing!!
Anja can still bring that raw power…queen🙌🤘✊️🔥❣️
👿🔥 love yeah!
YES!!! This is such a beautiful comeback!!!
Loving this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Never thought I'd see the day! Amazing, can't wait to pick up the album.
Im so happy for this!
Recognized the voice immediately.🖤
🎧▶🎶🔥
🖤🖤🖤 alles vorhin geordert! Genial!!! ❤
AWESOME!!!! ❤️🇧🇷❤️🇧🇷❤️
Sim ❤
Sim❤
have been dreaming of this
Excellente nouvelle!! Le morceau est très prometteur, J'ai vraiment hâte d'écouter son album!!
This is everything I could have hoped for wrapped up like a surprise.
WOW!😮
Now a tour, please!
Ayyyyy, qué felicidad 😍😍😍 vivir para ver su regreso!!!! Aquí alguien más esperando este suceso desde México 😍😍😍
Amazing!
I LOVE YOU!!!!
Greetings from Brazil
Stunning ❤
😍
Goddammit! This was great! Welcome back Anja and Manuela, now where is fiona and Wolfgang?
Awesome Anja 🔥🔥🔥🔥
WoooWW!!! que tal regresO . esta brutalemnte increible!
gracias por tanta música !!!
🖤
Toller Song, unglaublich viel Energie. Ich war damals schon Fan von Xmal Deutschland. Da hat sich das lange Warten auf neue Musik gelohnt. Vielen Dank dafür.
Oh yes.
Nunca pensei que veria o comeback da Anja para a música e muito bem acompanhada da Manuela... Icônico é pouco pra definir esse momento! 🖤🇧🇷
😍😍😍🖤🖤🖤❤️🔥
Es ist unfassbar, Anja und Manu sind wieder zurück, das Stück "Rabenschwarz" ist im Stil von X-mail Deutschland, Punk-Gothic, einfach wunderbar. Ich erkenne darin wieder die wunderbaren Alben von 1983 "Fetisch" und 1984 "Tocsin". Leider war das letzte Album von 1989, "Devils", einfach eine gefühllose Katastrophe. Ich freue mich auf das Comeback und bin gespannt auf das gesamte Album, das am 8. März erscheinen soll. Wenn ich daran denke, werde ich vielleicht doch ein Konzert mit Anja erleben.
Que buena noticia!!!!! Anja vuelve!!!!! 🖤😍🤘🎶🔥🤗🦇
Sensacional Album !!!! Wonderful !!!!
Anja Huwe - Rabenschwarz (Official Audio) 1256pm 10.1.24 now then...........................................
Brilliant 🤩 ❤!
Amazing news. Anja still sounds the same. She's very talented. I love her 🖤
Danke Anja für die Tolle Musik ❤
Can someone translate the lyric, please?
Is this album available on vinyl ???
Can someone please post the lyrics?
Al fin reapareció la reina del goth ✝️
Que genial Anja te apoyamos desde Mexico
:) 🍷
Can you advise what the lyrics meant? In english? Thanks
Come to Brazilllllll 🖤🖤🖤
KIEEEEEE!!!!!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! GOLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
❤
OMG... and the concerts????
\o/
Sounds like a mix of late Curve + "Paradise Place" by Siouxsie & the Banshees. Anyway, very promising.
Sounds like Xmal Deutschland
On attend un retour x mal deutschland à Paris.
Mona-esque, aber passt!
Apart from the uninspired and overly instrusive break beats, this sounds great.
Das Lied ist unglaublich schlecht. Lieder wie "If Only" strahlen ja wenigstens noch Wärme aus. Aber vielen vielen Dank für die Ermöglichung von Xmal Deutschland, du... und Sangster und wie sie heißen haben bis Mitte der 80er etwas geleistet was einen in andere Welten versetzt. Während ich mich bei diesem Lied wie unter Wasser fühle, versetzt mich zum Beispiel gefühlt "If Only" in eine Sandwüste und wo ich gleichzeitig euch nicht mit einer anderen Band vergleichen will, hat gar keine Band das Gleiche geschafft! Obwohl ich erst letztes Jahr Xmal Deutschland kennengelernt hab... begleitet mich die Musik seitdem ununterbrochen und werd sie sicherlich gelegentlich weiterempfehlen
My friend, could you possibly post the lyrics here for us please?
@sacredbonesrecords ? Where can we find more info about Moshe Shnitzki? Is this the correct spelling?