Rosa Anschütz
„Goldener Strom“
LP, black Vinyl. 2022. Electronic.

The electronic genre doesn't do Rosa justice. Techno beats meet dark wave, distorted flute, and once even NDW (New German Wave). Rosa, born in Berlin in 1997, learned piano, flute, and trumpet. She broke out of this rigid framework and is more than just a musician. I usually avoid techno and avant-garde ambient, I generally can't stand remixes, and I only tolerate pure electronic music in the form of Jean Michel Jarre. So what prompted this grumpy old prog head to buy it? "It's the thick water."

It is Rosa's voice that shifts between fragile and strong, as if made for dark wave. And the techno supports the mood, which lies somewhere between cybernetic coolness and velvety, wavy darkness. For me, moods make good music; surely any stylistic device should be acceptable? I had to learn that first. This album invites you to dance. Or as a concept album. Or to experiment. Something for everyone.

I've rarely heard such cool first three songs! "Their Blood" has a techno-like beat. "Peak" captivates me with its strong mood, carried by atmospheric lyrics that are delivered appropriately. "Polished" takes me by the hand, wavy. And we wander through Night City in Cyberpunk 2077. Daughter sends her regards in "Sold Out." That voice, the distorted flute, the rhythm—how can music be so cool?

"Goldener Strom" breaks the mood with New German Wave. "That's because of the thick water," it booms out at us. As wacky as the lyrics are, they pack a punch. Daughter returns in "Bleeding." The voice does it all. To be clear: Rosa definitely doesn't make music like Daughter. "Suspect" breaks with a pounding beat. Rarely have lyrics been sung so aptly. "Honestly," and I mean it! Number 8, "Intuitive," begins floatingly and builds to spheres. "Buddy" transports us back to the dance floor. Her vocals, combined with the steep beat, have something almost hypnotic about them. And I have to take a deep breath.

This prog head is blown away! I've rarely jumped back and forth so atmospherically between cool songs, dark, wavy electronic music, techno beats, and a voice that's so immersive! And I rarely use exclamation marks!! A new world is opening up for me, and my musical tastes have expanded. And Rosa has achieved that for me. Highlights? The entire album. The vinyl sounds clear and clean, not a single wave in sight. Recommendation? Buy it.

The photos are all from my LP. The rights to all motifs, logos, texts and fonts that can be seen in the photos are of course owned by the copyright holder.