Berlin (Germany)- based darkwave/new wave artist Maximilian Seifert, better known as Spell Trouble, released his debut EP, Soft Fantasy, via Swiss label Irascible Music. The four songs of the EP tell different stories of how people suppress their feelings and problems by escaping into fictional worlds and alternate realities, gradually moving further away from human interaction and eventually themselves.
Soft Fantasy is an invitation to find the right balance between losing yourself to heal and facing your problems in the real world. It embraces the conflict within you, revealing the struggles of everyday life and the imminent aftermath. It encourages taking time for yourself, but also leaving your comfort zone when the right moment has come – embracing new experiences and physical as well as emotional change.
Spell Trouble's modern blend of alternative, new wave, gothic and indie music creates a familiar soundscape, combining introspective lyrics with catchy synth melodies. Complemented by dark, surging synth sounds inspired by new wave bands of the late '70s and '80s intertwined with rhythmic strokes from nostalgic drum computers like LinnDrums or the TR-808, he developed a love for flaws and imperfect details as well as an unhealthy amount of delay and reverb.
With the naive, punkish approach to playing all instruments on his newest record, Soft Fantasy, by himself, the sound and production couldn't be more personal. Topped by lyrics addressing contemporary topics like self-care and social anxiety, the listeners are about to get dragged into an immersive alternate dimension, provoking self-reflection and introspection.
Spell Trouble's Soft Fantasy is obscure, dreamy, and nostalgic, creating a sanctuary for the troubled, a fantasy realm to get lost in, a hideout from reality and pain – searching for beauty in darkness and self-destructive escapism.
Maximilian Seifert isn't new to Berlin's alternative music scene, having played several solo shows with his electronic music projects and performing regularly as drummer in his psych rock band Opium Palace at the legendary Rauchhaus in Berlin (yes, the one from Ton Steine Scherben).
The whole EP was mixed and mastered by Manou Bouillon (Skydojo), who worked with acts like Symba and Domiziana. Give it a listen. Link
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"I think we longed for a band where we could be there from scratch and form everything the way we want." - Fabienne Erni
"I'm sort of asking questions - where are the heroes? Where's the defiance? Where are the people who oppose this?" - Alan "Nemtheanga" Averill
"For my sake, I could just stop playing the old stuff, but on the other hand, I know that our fans want it." - Anders Kobro
"Goth people want to have fun sometimes too. I guess if your listening time is 99% dark, sad songs or evil black metal songs, sometimes you want 1% joy, and here I come." - Franck Hueso
