In The Badgers Cave (EP)
It's Eleven Records, 2024
http://itselevenrecords.bandcamp.com/album/mantarochen-in-the-badgers-cave
REVIEW BY: Tom Haugen
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 01/17/2025
The debut EP from Leipzig, Germany's Mantarochen—the trio of Diana (vocals and synth), Sebi (guitar) and Tom (bass)—this quick listen brings us plenty of Cold Wave ideas for these six chilling, retro and mesmerizing tracks that also draw from the Goth, New Wave and post-punk sounds of many decades ago.
“Reflection” starts the listen with much emphasis on ambience and drumming sounds, where throbbing post-punk nods are present for the moody and stylish opener. “Im Sand” then follows and comes with a dreamy aspect, where Diana’s smooth voice and hypnotic guitar are met with a swirling backdrop that’s both introspective and mysterious.
In the middle, we are treated to “Jaguar” and “Grey.” The former employs bass acrobatics and scrappy drumming alongside distant vocals for a tune you could dance to in a dimly lit club, while the latter injects synth into all the right places via the nostalgic post-punk template that would sound relevant in the mid ’80s, too.
Residing close to the end, the atmospheric and cinematic “Blue Heads” makes great use of the meticulous rhythm section and hushed, slightly ominous singing that showcases Tom’s bass acrobatics. “Still Black” then takes that lead into acutely melodic and timeless punk sensibilities that make this track alone worth the price of admission.
A truly DIY effort, the band recorded and mixed the entire effort themselves, and it’s available physically as a 7-inch record with excellent artwork. For fans of legends like (early) The Cure, Joy Division, New Order or Siouxsie Sioux, or more recent outfits such as Sleeping Pills, Pink Depression or No Curse, there should be no question that this belongs in your collection.
A personal note to the band: please, more songs soon!