Copenhagen trio, Town Portal, have spent more than a decade carving out a niche within the realm of instrumental rock music. Fusing angular polymeters with jazzy playfulness and melodic sensibilities of 90's noise rock and post-hardcore, their songs unfold as continuous struggles between dissonance and harmony, chaos and groove. They're touring with new Album 'Grindwork' (Dream Bureau).
Grunge doesn't need a revival, because this mangy, totally rebellious sound has reappeared in every era since Kurt Cobain's death. Mostly, however, it's bloodless, derivative, or annoyingly testosterone-fueled. With Riot Spears' grunge punk from Berlin, on the other hand, the classic finally regains its dignity and flannel-clad glamour. Latest album 'Luck' (Nov 2024).
OK WAIT, a Hamburg-based trio, is an experimental, heavy instrumental band that creates a unique blend of music that defies genre boundaries. Latest and highly cheered album 'Signal' (Golden Antenna Records).
Supported by Plattenkiste
Town Portal
In February 2024, Town Portal ended a five year hiatus with a European tour in support of melodic hardcore legends Thrice (US). On this tour Town Portal showcased material from what would become their fourth album Grindwork, released on November 7th 2025 via the band’s own newly formed label Dream Bureau.
On Grindwork Town Portal team up with engineer Mark Roberts (Delta Sleep, Black Peaks, etc.) to craft an album that departs from the bleak, stringent sound of its predecessor Of Violence (2019), while retaining the grit and heft introduced to the band’s sound on this album. Instead, Grindwork dives into a playful exploration of the raw materials of composition without self-imposed restraints, reflecting a renewed sense of creative joy within the trio.
This sense of joy that permeates Grindwork sharply contrasts with a world increasingly starved of it. A world in which any creative endeavour could be perceived as trivial or even selfish in the face of the planetary and political crises of our time. At the same time, it’s a reaction to exactly that deprivation — a refusal to surrender to the pull of creative cynicism or apathy. On Grindwork, Town Portal circles back to the fragile idea that creating something still matters.
Riot Spears
Riot Spears (grunge/noise) are still around and they have a new album. After BAD in 2021 comes LUCK three years later and pulls you the ground from under your feet if you're not careful. And what remains when the ground is gone is shown very well by this album: between floating and falling flat on your face, between disorientation and aching clarity, the band moves confidently through all musical facets. The destructive 90s grunge vibe meets the hopeless and aggressive sound of the 2020s. Depression as a symptom of late capitalism, no-future was then and is back as absolutely no-future. The playful, dreamy charm of the first album can still be found in highest dilution: between aggressive vocals and guitars, between desperate screams and noise outbursts, between frustration and self-hatred, a closer listen sometimes reveals a comforting gentleness and vulnerability. Riot Spears are not presenting a “good mood” starter set with this album. Because this album is for all those who are not heard, who are overlooked, who know what depression actually means, who don't “function”, who so often feel out of place, who can't find the words and who can't find their way in this system. This album is not ironed out, it is not trimmed for marketability, it is brutal and challenging, melancholic and abysmally hurt, angry and unforgiving, cheeky and daring. If you can handle it, you'll love it. Live you can relax and dream away or sink into the mosh pit, no pressure and no future join hands and a place beyond show and punk rock experience pedagogy is created. Come on over.
- Bandcamp
- UNDYE MY HAIRS - video
- GET OFF MY BOAT - video
- AMYGDALA - video
- FOOLS - video
- Spotify
OK WAIT
OK WAIT, a Hamburg-based trio, is an experimental, heavy instrumental band that creates a unique blend of music that defies genre boundaries. With their latest album SIGNAL (released 30 June 2023), the band takes their sound to new heights, incorporating tastes of noise rock, shoegaze, post rock, doom and black metal to create an intense and emotional listening experience. It’s literal resonance was documented by vastly favourable reviews.
SIGNAL is a departure from traditional post-rock, with the band experimenting with a raw and abrasive sound that is both beautiful and terrifying. With the help of acclaimed producer Peter Voigtmann (THE OCEAN, Ex-HEADS.), mixing by Scott Evans (KOWLOON WALLED CITY, mixed THRICE, COVET) and mastering by Magnus Lindberg (CULT OF LUNA), the album‘s sound is expertly crafted and expertly executed.
The album features nine diverse tracks that showcase the band‘s dynamic range and versatility. Each song is a journey in itself, with complex arrangements and intricate melodies that keep the listener engaged from start to finish. The band‘s commitment to pushing the boundaries of instrumental music is evident in every note, and SIGNAL is a testament to their dedication to creating something truly unique.
For fans of RUSSIAN CIRCLES, DEAFHEAVEN and SWANS, OK WAIT is a band to watch. Their latest album is a tour de force of instrumental music that showcases their talent, creativity, and passion. With its release on Golden Antenna Records, SIGNAL is sure to make waves in the music world and establish OK WAIT as one of the most exciting and innovative instrumental bands today.
OK WAIT consist of Michel Jahn (guitar, noises), Lutz Möllmann (drums, samples), Florian Zeh (bass).
- Bandcamp
- Spotify
- YouTube
- OK WAIT – SoundPauli live session (2023)
- OK WAIT - Signal
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