Over the years there have been a resurgence of the post-punk, industrial, synth and new wave sound that groups like Depeche Mode and Nine Inch Nails helped to foster into the mainstream psyche. However, it is a rare feat at times to actually come across bands who are trying to push the sound further rather than simply fostering a carbon copy version of the previous groups mentioned. However, when Berlin-based Lea Porcelain came on the scene back in 2015, there was something very other about the pair. Songs such as ‘A Year From Here’ and ‘Out Is In’ straddled between melancholic electronica, krautrock, post punk and things in between. They began capturing the ears of presenters such as BBC 6 Music’s Lauren Laverne, not to mention websites and publications across the world, as they released their Out Is In EP that would be the taster of what the duo had in store. After recording in the infamous FUNKHAUS Studios, the end result is their debut LP Hymns To The Night which is a defining moment carving of the past couple years of them laying down their impressive and quite grand sound.

Having previously shared singles such as ‘Warsaw Street’, ‘Bones’ and ‘Remember’, Hymns To The Night is the connecting of the dots to these previous recordings. Added is the short cut ‘White Noise’ which is a somber yet gorgeous piano-led song falling under 2 minutes in time. They then jump straight into ‘The Love’ which is a haunting soundscape where initially the bass and drums take precedent as Markus Nikolaus’ cutting vocals command the track before being aided by moody synths. ‘A Far Away Land’ incorporates a feel of coldwave as post punk guitar riffs add to the husky feel of production. The band is able to create an epic and cinematic toucher with the atmospheric ’10-12th of September’ whilst ‘Loose Life’ is a dark and subterranean cut that pushes the listener into below underground territory. Almost chamber like, the manipulation of Nikolaus’s voice into an alien-styled fixture adds to the stark presentation. Lea Porcelain really display their versatility with the moving ‘Endlessly’ which leans in an indie direction, depicting a slightly lighter side of the group without abandoning the deep bass line that is prominent in various tracks.

Hymns To The Night is a powerful and stunning debut from the German group which captures the best of every sound that has influenced the band throughout both of their careers. Like a recipe that has the perfect mixture of ingredients, Lea Porcelain have delivered one bold and ultimately satisfying serving.