Get ready to embark on a musical journey where boundaries are merely lines to be crossed and conventions are shattered. Berlin’s own avant-garde industrial sensation, Lolita Terrorist Sounds, unveils their highly anticipated studio album, “St. Lola.” Released on October 20, 2023, this captivating auditory experience features the remarkable talents of Swans’ lap-steel guitar virtuoso, Kristof Hahn, and avant-garde legend Bob Rutman (†). The album is now available on all major digital platforms and as special limited editions. Dive deeper into their avant-garde brilliance as you immerse yourself in the accompanying video for the lead single, ‘Mind the Gap.’
Lolita Terrorist Sounds, an avant-garde industrial outfit hailing from Berlin, emerges as a formidable force in the music world with their debut album, “St. Lola.” The album, recorded and produced by bandleader Maurizio Vitale within the enigmatic confines of a former secret service building in East Berlin, and mixed by the acclaimed Thomas Stern (known for his work with luminaries like Nick Cave, Einstürzende Neubauten, Swans, and Crime and the City Solution), is a testament to their unconventional and creative expression. The collaborations with Kristof Hahn and Bob Rutman elevate this debut to an unparalleled level of artistic brilliance.
“St. Lola” emerged from the depths of a former East Berlin building that once harbored the secret services during the Wall era. Maurizio Vitale, the band’s frontman, captured the album’s essence within this unique location, adopting an esoteric approach to music production. As Vitale puts it, “I used a limited number of vintage microphones and analog gear to preserve the instinctive rawness of the music. It was more about encapsulating the magic of the moment and the historical significance of the place where these songs were conceived, rather than creating a polished record.”
‘Mind the Gap’ takes you on a sonic journey that bridges the cultural chasm between London and Berlin. Accompanied by a visually stunning 8mm video, reminiscent of Jean-Luc Godard’s classic filmmaking style, this track offers a nostalgic yet fresh perspective. At its heart is a genderfluid protagonist who becomes the voice and embodiment of the song’s profound message. ‘Mind the Gap’ poignantly reflects on the human condition in the modern world.
The journey to “St. Lola” has been marked by a series of acclaimed singles and live releases, building anticipation for this groundbreaking debut. From the hypnotic rhythms of ‘Shaved Girl’ (featuring Bob Rutman on bow chime), which was released as a single during Pride Month and serves as a powerful LGBTQ+ liberation anthem, to the electrifying “Prison Song,” an epistolary love story set on the streets of Paris. This haunting track reveals two lovers torn apart by circumstances beyond their control—a jail sentence that stands as a barrier to their affection.
‘Red Carpet’ transports listeners into the illusory world of fame’s shadowy side, provocatively challenging societal ideals of success. ‘Curse’ delves into the realm of full moon rituals and tribal rhythms, captivating listeners with mystic soundscapes inspired by the tales of “One Thousand and One Nights.”
The album’s namesake track, “St. Lola,” serves as a haunting and evocative culmination. Set against the backdrop of a desolate Berlin bridge on a grey day, it paints an atypical love story—a painful farewell between two deeply intertwined souls. The ethereal vocals and tugging melody encapsulate the poignant essence of love and loss. Closing the album, ‘Living-in-glory’ explores the world of ASMR, guiding listeners on a sensory immersion journey through its ambient textures and soothing whispers.
“St. Lola” is a testament to Lolita Terrorist Sounds’ unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries and defying musical conventions. Drawing inspiration from a diverse array of sources, the band channels the raw intensity of Nine Inch Nails, the avant-garde spirit of Einstürzende Neubauten, the sonic depth of Swans, the primal energy of the Stooges, and the dark poeticism of early Nick Cave. This album is a celebration of artistic freedom and innovation.
Lolita Terrorist Sounds, founded by Maurizio Vitale, is a Berlin-based avant-garde band that challenges the boundaries of art and sound. The band’s name is a provocative blend of Nabokov’s novel title.
olita” with the daring connotations of the word “Terrorist.” Both elements were generated using the W. Burroughs cut-up technique, defining the groundbreaking nature of the band’s compositions and performances. Vitale’s collaborations include work with members of renowned bands such as Einstürzende Neubauten, Swans, Iggy Pop, Thåström, PJ Harvey, and Faust. The band’s journey has been marked by a series of acclaimed releases, live performances, and exciting collaborations. They continue to evolve and challenge the boundaries of avant-garde music.
Lolita Terrorist Sounds’ debut album, “St. Lola,” promises to captivate and inspire, taking listeners on a journey into uncharted territories of sound and art. This album is a testament to the band’s creative zenith, solidifying their position as a dominant force in the world of experimental music.
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