Møtrik’s Latest Album “Earth” Gives Krautrock a Fresh Twist Without Following Trends
To claim the title of America’s finest krautrock band, a touch of strangeness is essential – a quality that is abundantly present in the end-of-days dance rock produced by Møtrik on their latest album, Earth. Originated in the late ’60s and early ’70s by a group of eccentric German masterminds, krautrock is a distinct fusion of progressive rock, psychedelic rock, punk, electronic music, and intricate rhythmic percussion. Enthusiasts of this cult genre, which includes iconic bands like Can, Neu!, Kraftwerk, and Faust, share a unique camaraderie rooted in the deep appreciation for this intellectually challenging yet oddly danceable music. Portland’s krautrock torchbearers, Møtrik, embody this spirit, drawing inspiration from the genre and paying homage to it through their music.
Formed nearly a decade ago, Møtrik’s moniker itself is an homage to the “motorik” beat – a repetitive 4/4 rhythm that characterizes krautrock with its perpetual forward drive and heavy emphasis on rhythmic pulsations. The band’s dedication to preserving the classic krautrock sound while others incorporate elements of guitar-driven psychedelic rock sets them apart from more renowned modern interpreters such as Osees, Beak>, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, and the now-disbanded Kikagaku Moyo. Earth, their upcoming release slated for November 7 with a launch show at The Showdown on November 1, reflects the collaborative efforts of Erik Golts (bass, vocals, synthesizers), Cord Amato (guitar, synthesizer), Lee Ritter (drums), Jonah Nolde (guitar, synthesizers), and Dave Fulton (synthesizers, sequencers).
The band’s approach to crafting Earth was unique, with each song originating from demos brought in by individual band members and then refined collectively. Their recording sessions at Vancouver, Wash.’s Scenic Burrows studio aimed at creating a more coherent and synergistic musical output that reflected their decade-long evolution and shared musical vision. The decision to name the album “Earth” was inspired by a striking green neon sign found in the studio’s kitchen, which eventually became the cover art, featuring a scene of a dog running on the Oregon Coast, exuding a darkly cinematic and dystopian aura mirroring the album’s music.
While Møtrik refrains from imposing a singular theme on their songs, the album’s label, Jealous Butcher, describes Earth as “a soundtrack to our strange, unraveling future.” Golts notes a more focused and refined approach to songwriting, steering away from extended jam sessions prevalent in previous albums like Moon, opting instead for a concise and polished sound. The hypnotic melodies, enigmatic lyrics, and spaciously ominous vocals layered over pulsating synths and precision-driven beats create an immersive sonic journey for listeners. The band deliberately leaves the interpretation of the music up to the audience, allowing for personal reflections on whether Earth encapsulates a dystopian prophecy or a hopeful declaration of the future.
Møtrik’s live performances mirror the energy and vigor of their studio recordings, with mesmerizing visuals, fog machines, and psychedelic lights adding to the overall experience. Each band member contributes a unique perspective to the music, ensuring a harmonious blend that highlights the best qualities of each song. With uniforms reminiscent of Devo and LED lights adorning their heads, Møtrik’s live shows promise to be a captivating fusion of music and visual artistry, embracing the vibrant spirit of krautrock in both their recordings and performances.