Dolch
„Nacht“
Doom, Electronic Dark Wave. 2022

• Silver Vinyl, 
• Original, limited
• Ván Records
• VÀN330
• new

„I cannot see you
You clearly
Cannot see me“

An Arte concert video from Hellfest, with the Berlin band Dolch. Sounds like black/dark metal and darkwave. And doesn't really do the band justice. The idea is to convey emotions, the music is the vehicle. Dolch isn't inventing anything new, nor is that their aim. The aim is to express something musically, and they succeed in doing so in an atmospheric way. The album Nacht sounds more like electronic ambient dark wave. With sprinkles of doom and post-punk. It's all more reduced and gets the mood right. The singer's ethereal voice fits incredibly well. The music represents the band, not the names. M - vocals, T - vocals and guitar, N bass, P - drums, A - guitar. There is only rudimentary information about the band. Do I like that? Nope. It doesn't have to. The music is just really good. The album Nacht is the second part of a trilogy. "Fire", "Night" and "Death". The latter hasn't been released yet.

My review of "Nacht" is based on the streamed version. The difference to the silver vinyl version is clearly audible. In the streamed version, the instruments are cleanly separated, M's voice is more intelligible, and the album's successful atmosphere comes across exactly as I wanted it to.

The problem, for me, doesn't seem to be the album's production itself, but rather my silver pressing. It's noticeably quieter and, especially in the quieter passages, is marred by crackling and popping noises. This diminishes what makes "Nacht" so special to me: the subtle transitions, the atmosphere, and that incredibly beautiful, almost ethereal voice. Apparently, the black pressing is supposed to sound better. I can't judge that, as I've only heard my silver copy. And unfortunately, it doesn't do justice to this damn good music.

The record itself is a gatefold sleeve; the booklet is inside, and the LP is on the right. That's what I love about vinyl. I cleaned the record with a record cleaning machine. Unfortunately, the crackling noises are now even more noticeable.

The music is definitely very good, even if it's a matter of taste. The record captured me immediately. I like the mood. Mood is the wrong word. Ambience is a better description. And I find that more in dark music. According to the band, the record can be understood as an urban journey through the night or a journey of the mind through the night, between euphoria and depression, light and darkness. Without having known this statement before, when I first heard it I felt like I was going to several clubs.

The first three songs set the tone, and I consider this section a highlight: "Lights Out," "Open," and "Tonight." M's voice is a perfect fit. I was immediately drawn into the music. Very few albums by artists I've never heard of before manage to do that for me. “Lights out” begins very quietly, with dark sound, spoken text (“Take Control, Seeker of the Night”) and slurred vocals (“I can not see you, you clearly can not see me”). A drone atmosphere pervades the track. After 1:36, it transitions into "Open." It's the vocals, distorted guitar, more rhythm, and dark keyboards with slow drums that have an almost hypnotic effect on me. Voice and rhythm form a unity, somewhat ethereal and harder to grasp. And the lyrics, in particular, describe the state of our society quite well. For me, it's the strongest song on the album. "Tonight" continues in an ethereal vein, sounding almost cheerful. The lyrics are minimalist yet full of powerful emotion. Neon lights, nightclub, vibes of allure. And almost as if death itself were knocking at the door. That's my interpretation, and I love this song. I could go on praising every song to the skies, but I won't. "Mercury" and "Into the Night" alone are brilliant in their presentation. More in the conclusion.

Conclusion: If I were to award points, which I won't, Dolch's "Nacht" would be above the maximum. I think it's absurd to give both "Nacht" and "Darkside of the Moon" 10 points. It doesn't do justice to either album.
I am absolutely deeply moved by this album. I am particularly captivated by the vocals, which oscillate between silken fragility and mental strength. For me, this voice simply melts into the music.
The music does the rest: drone, darkwave, industrial, electronic, doom, post-punk, and ambient. A prog lover's dream, even if it's not strictly prog, what more could you want? Every song, even those with unwieldy titles like "House of Glass (Hydroxytryptamin Baby Part III)," has its strengths. The sound is stripped down, sometimes even celebrating a certain monotony that isn't boring. The art lies in presenting it all perfectly. "Lieder" (songs) like "Nacht" (Night) with 19 seconds of spoken German text—it works here and fits the theme. The vocals on "Nacht" are carried by M, sometimes supported by T., which further enhances the emotional impact. "I am Ok" and "Bird of Prey" are examples of T.'s vocal talent. A thoroughly successful album. It would be on the turntable every day if the vinyl weren't so full of crackling noises. Precisely because night thrives on quiet, almost floating passages, the crackling noises destroy exactly those moments in which night unfolds its greatest effect for me.

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

TheProgThief
©28.08.2024