Deltawelle – Sentiments (2023)
When I think of German bands my mind immediately turns toward the metal band Rammstein; but not so much anymore. Since hitting our ears in January 2023 with ‘Normalitätsvermessung’, Deltawelle has caught my attention and kept me eager for more. For seven years (give or take), the German foursome have shared their obscure sound with the world making waves in the music scene. With a reputation for intoxicating melodies and a strong stage presence, Deltawelle ensnares people’s senses at live shows and beyond on a global level. The latest addition to their discography is the EP Sentiments.
Following their singles ‘Normalitätsvermessung’ and ‘Sentiments’ (the lead track from their new EP), Deltawelle released a third EP Sentiments. Remaining within the realm of new-wave, each track has hazy obscurity about it; however, slices of indie-rock, synth-pop and even reggae shimmer across the songs. It is this insertion of diverse genres in a single sonic wrapper that notes Deltawelle’s signature eclecticism.
Listening to Deltawelle’s new EP is like being set off on a glistening sonic river in a shiny boat. The opening track ‘Sentiments’ swirls about in a hazy perfume of kaleidoscopic lights with new-wave sensibilities. It wraps around you, settles on your skin and sets up the heavy fog to surround you along the journey. Yet, just as you sit back and start breathing in the sonic synth-filled ambience, the group hits you with a rock-inspired kick in the track ‘Retroviseur’.
Opening with a swift indie-rock jolt, ‘Retroviseur’ alerts you to the tumultuous waves beneath the river’s glassy surface – a sensation that follows you throughout the rest of the EP. Flooded with an upbeat, head-turning bounce, the lads bring a heaviness to Sentiments; however, it is particularly intriguing because the increased tempo is quite jovial in its bold style. Following ‘Retrovisuer’, the boat rocks even further as the sonic waves splash onboard in ‘Oublié’. The bounce becomes a pounding, and the dreamy synth turns to a heavier, darker, more intense indie-rock flair. Once again, just as you become used to the bolder sound, Deltawelle flip the switch twirling the boat on a different path.
I find it interesting that the opening track ‘Sentiments’ aligns with the closing track ‘Jusq’ue ce que le soleil se couche’ in its ethereal veil of synth-driven fog. The lads bring us into a night of bright colours and take us out in the same manner – slightly eerier but with a soother quality. A smooth flow and taming of our hearts as we pass through the sonic storm.
Typically known for their disconcerting flood of misty sounds with German lyricism, Deltawelle tilts its head to their French neighbours in Sentiments. Adopting French lyricism, a slight softness flutters through but the song’s darkness is enhanced. As the band explains, “the singer chooses French to create a dramatic-sounding atmosphere…” Regardless of the lyrical language, Deltawelle has an intimacy and mystical profoundness in their melodic masterpieces.
Find out more about Deltawelle on their official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
Discover more synth-filled sensations with The Other Side Reviews’ Synth-Pop playlist:
