Hamburg, Germany-based garage psych quartet Blackbird Mantra return with their sophomore full-length album, titled 2AM, following 2020’s High And Dry. The cover art depicts one half of a matching card game, as seen in the video for the title track. It serves as a nice metaphor for the mosaic of these nine diverse songs, which nonetheless click together like pieces of a colorful puzzle. Moreover, it somehow fits well with the music’s vintage feel.

From cinematic instrumentals, via rock and surf influences and grooving experiments, to atmospheric balladry, it is all there, always with masterful guitar playing as the driving force. And when, towards the end, the subdued standout track Silhouettes sings about “memory”, it feels as if you have managed to collect all the pictures during this listen.

2AM—recorded by Velvet Bein—is out digitally and on vinyl LP through La Pochette Surprise Records. Featuring Timo Grimm (vocals, guitar, keyboard), Thies Lingner (guitar), David Gradl (bass), and Helge Schritt (drums).

Add to wantlist: Bandcamp || La Pochette Surprise