Welt Star

Reviews

Welt Star Doppel LP

Second release from WELT STAR. Neither their Bandcamp page nor Under the Gun’s site have any description of the group whatsoever, but a previous MRR review of their 2022 Ich Hasse Blumen cassette describes them as “an international collaboration featuring the brains behind DIODE, BOBBY WOULD, and VAGUENESS,” so at least there’s that. Sung in German, I hear a monotone vocal that hangs heavy over an otherwise fun and jumpy soundscape of drums, synths, and melodic guitar riffs. Rhythms are often syncopated and mechanical-sounding, like an engine roaring with a rough idle. Something vaguely post-punk, with a modern German influence and the zaniness like you might find on Berlin’s Phantom label. The first eight tracks are new recordings, while the last seven comprise Ich Hasse Blumen in its entirety, giving us a full dose of the WELT STAR experience on one vinyl release. This one has my vote—awesome record.

Welt Star Ich Hasse Blumen cassette

Here is an international collaboration featuring the brains behind DIODE, BOBBY WOULD, and VAGUESS. Needless to say, I was thrilled to dive into this German (by way of L.A.) punk that is moody and fun all at once. The drums absolutely bop, there’s a tasteful amount of synth, and the guitar and bass interlock like some kind of all-angles double helix in a way that hits from the heart and not the head—this isn’t some erudite post-punk, but something much more populist and propulsive. It’s a total blast to hear these musical minds intersect, and though by all reports it could be a while until we hear more from this project (if ever again), I will be anxiously waiting. “Cool” feels like a meaningless word these days, but if anything is cool, it’s this. Tell me “Monstertruck” doesn’t have you shouting along and I’ll tell you to check your pulse.