Fotosputnik are a life separated DIY trio originally from Chicago, with a fondness for transatlantic investigations of the alt-rock condition, from scuzzed up grunge to road trip toe tappers, via mellower post-rock and propulsive motorik constructs, they've been doing it all for almost twenty years now.
Their latest LP started life during the age of virus in a remote cabin in 2020 and sees the trio distilling their sonic evolution into an hour long showcase that is rooted in Americana which has taken a less trucker stop, more lysergic turn. Completed over the next four years via occasional meet-ups and remote working, it's quite the testament.
My focus track from the LP is the decidedly throwback Germanic sounds of, "Pictured in Wenceslas Square", my introduction to the band and still my favourite cut from the Incantations for a Tenrec LP. The rhythm has that peculiar Germanic party starting propulsion, whilst guitar loops and cosmic synths do battle to see how can inspire the highest state of consciousness in the listener. It's a thing of classic Krautrock wonder.
I've got to admit to not being the biggest rocker these days, but if you have any interest in guitar led music then you really should dive into the full LP, it's the sort of underground, zine friendly sounds that puts the outsider back into music and makes you want to ditch streaming, put your Spotify subscription allowance into gig tickets and getting sweaty again.
Playlist Companion:
You can find, "Pictured in Wenceslas Square" giving the Slow Psyche Playlist a Kraut injection.
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