Nürnberg, a post-punk duo from Minsk, Belarus, consisting of Yury Luhautsou on vocals, bass, and synths, and Aleh Sautin on guitar, has just announced a European tour supporting the release of their third studio album, Adkaz. After a successful tour in the EU and two subsequent tours in Latin America, Mexico and China in spring 2024, Nürnberg are ready to hit the road again.
Since forming in 2016, Nürnberg’s artistic vision has been deeply influenced by the melancholic ambiance of post-Soviet urban landscapes. Their music explores existential themes and the social issues of today’s industrial societies, capturing the weight and weariness of modern life. Despite this bleak outlook, their work resonates with the fundamental human capacities for love and compassion.
Nürnberg’s sound, marked by a moody ambiance, is infused with palpable energy, reminiscent of Gang of Four, Chameleons, Talk Talk, and Killing Joke. Their music combines melancholy, gloom, and desolation, adorned with shimmering reverb and bittersweet melodies. Compassion nestles within this fatalistic dance music, built on kick-and-clap drum beats, resonant melodic basslines, and piercing, wistful guitar leads that intertwine with Luhautsou’s emotive vocals.
Adkaz, which translates to “answer” in English, hints at the thematic depth within and offers a thoughtful reflection on the individual’s existence during pivotal historical moments. Their songs tackle themes of aversion and mental health, striking a chord with those familiar with the contemporary Eastern European experience. This nuanced exploration of the psychological impacts of transformative times resonates deeply with listeners facing similar struggles.
But it’s not all heavy introspection; the album also dips into tales of love and personal experiences, adding a bit of warmth to the mix. These themes of love and connection provide a counterbalance to the more challenging aspects, presenting a well-rounded view of the human experience. It’s a bit like finding a cozy nook in a storm, where amidst all the chaos, there’s still room for connection and warmth.
Insomnia tells the tale of yearning for someone absent, with nightly dreams and shadow-chasing that vanish come morning light. Horad paints a picture of a perpetually gloomy town, where the sun’s on a permanent holiday but the city buzzes on. Amid this cold and loneliness, there’s a longing to spend a cherished night with someone special.
Adkaz sings of monotony and disinterest, where every day feels like a rinse-and-repeat cycle. They’re on a quest for answers, hoping to forget everything just one last time without overthinking it. Miesca dreams of a serene escape where every whisper can be heard, despite the lurking danger and a heartfelt plea to stay put.
Adliha brings us into a cold war between two hearts, with one firing shots and the other standing firm like the Berlin Wall. Despite the battles and losses, there’s an underlying hope for change, dreaming of a fresh start akin to the Prague Spring. Vada narrates a long walk toward the water, yearning to dive into its depths and find solace in the darkness and silence. The journey is fascinating, even if the connection to the other person fades away.
Strach delves into the frightening realities of life and how fear takes hold, tightening its grip and overshadowing understanding. On the other hand, Pacalunak portrays a tense relationship where one person begs for distance, turning down romantic gestures like roses. Despite the tension, the speaker longs for intimacy and love, rather than mere friendship. They hope to thaw the emotional coldness within the other, but face the painful rejection that they can’t be together. It’s a bit like trying to hug a snowman—chilly and ultimately a bit dampening.
Listen to Adkaz below or order here.
Adkaz is out now under the German label Young and Cold Records, recorded in collaboration with Raman Kamahorcaŭ (Molchat Doma) and their sound engineer Andrej Babroŭka. Complementing the music, the cover and artwork for the album have been crafted by Belgrado’s Jonathan Sirit, adding a stunning Constructivist visual dimension.
Since their inception, Nürnberg has charted an impressive course. Their beginnings can be traced back to a demo released in August 2017. From there, their musical repertoire has blossomed, comprising two albums, Skryvaj and Paharda, two EPs, three singles, and two remix albums. Their influence extends well beyond the borders of Belarus, as evidenced by their European tour and performances at notable festivals such as Waves Vienna, Eurosonic Noorderslag, and AtlasWeekend Kyiv, spanning Belarus, Poland, and Russia.
European Tour Dates:
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