With a name that loosely translates to “that little bit of manslaughter,” you might be forgiven for approaching with caution. But fear not. The new single from long-standing German trio Das Bisschen Totschlag isn’t scary, and it will not kill you. It might ensnare, beguile, transfix, and coddle you – but you’re safe from death whilst listening to it.
Tim is the lead single from their upcoming LP 0dB Headroom, and it’s an absolute treat. It wraps itself around you like a lo-fi sonic blanket, something to snuggle up with and nuzzle into. The combination of instrumentation and production work beautifully together here, and the balance and the mix are just right. There are moments when the bass comes right to the fore or when the synths stand out, and all the while, the lyrics are delivered in that hazy, shoegazey way that demands your attention – trying to decipher them through the wall of sound.
Whilst on the subject of lyrics, what a gorgeous way with words here. Such a lovely way of depicting something not very nice at all. Take the second verse as an example: “Tim downs two bottles everyday / that’s why all his organs change / they are gradually growing in size / soon they will burst out of him / and will paint an ugly picture / on his old checkered tile floor” – I mean, come on. Talk about painting a vivid picture. The juxtaposition of the sweet-sounding music and the rather harrowing subject matter is a classic move – akin to legendary acts like The Smiths or The Cure – and works wonders on this track.
We’ll look forward to hearing the new album in a couple of months.
Written by Kinda Grizzly
