With the release of ‘Demos ’96’ on August 22, 2025, Klarstein.rocks takes listeners back to their earliest days, opening a rare glimpse into the raw energy of 1996. These songs, recorded on a simple cassette in a rehearsal room, were never meant for release, but they carry the honesty of youth and the excitement of discovery. Remastered by Barbonus while keeping the rough edges intact, the EP feels like a time capsule — imperfect yet deeply authentic. Featuring Kathrin Voss on vocals, the band manages to bridge their beginnings with the present, turning long-forgotten tapes into something meaningful again.
The opening track “Ling Lu” eases in with warm guitar-driven melodies that immediately set a nostalgic mood. It has a loose, flowing feel, as if the band was still figuring themselves out, but that looseness makes it endearing. It carries echoes of the 90s indie scene while still reflecting the band’s own identity. “Someone” moves in a slightly different direction, bringing more structure and lyrical focus. The tighter rhythm and vocal clarity show that even in their early days, Klarstein.rocks were aiming for songs that could stand on their own. It is straightforward but heartfelt, showing glimpses of the band’s potential as songwriters.
The closing track, “When I’m Burning Matches”, is where the EP truly comes alive. What began as a serious attempt quickly turned into something spontaneous, with Kathrin’s shouts of “Stop!” during rehearsal accidentally becoming part of the recording. Rather than hiding those imperfections, the band embraced them, and the result is playful, chaotic, and cathartic. Later reworked with brass, the track still keeps its raw character intact, wearing its flaws with pride. Together, the three songs don’t just revisit the past — they celebrate it, reminding listeners that beginnings may be messy, but they are also the most honest moments in any artist’s story.
Get in Touch with Klarstein.rocks on Official Website, Spotify and Instagram
English