Electronic/Review Thorax-Wach - Kafka in Berlin

Thorax guards are Olaf Kraemer and Frank Dieckmann. As early as 1980/81, they made music together under the name Thorax-Wach. At that time, it was still part of the Brilliant Dilettantes. Previous albums were called “Hardly conceived—already fashionable," “Piggyback and to death by the hundreds,” and “You’re still doing way too well. In 2023, they met again after 40 years and decided to make an album as Kafka lovers.

"Kafka in Berlin," the latest album from the electronic duo Thorax-Wach, marks a stunning return to the music scene after a 40-year hiatus. Comprised of musicians Olaf Kraemer and Frank Dieckmann, the duo gained prominence in the early 1980s as pioneers of the techno genre within the Berlin Geniale Dilettanten circle.

Inspired by their shared admiration for the works of Franz Kafka, Thorax-Wach embarked on a remarkable musical journey, delving into the last year of the writer's life spent in Berlin. The result is an evocative album that immerses listeners in Kafka's literary world, offering profound insights into his thoughts and emotions against the backdrop of impending social upheaval and technological revolution.

"Kafka in Berlin" is characterized by a minimalist analogue electronic sound, expertly crafted by Kraemer and Dieckmann. The music is accompanied by melancholic memories and original sounds from 1923, creating a haunting atmosphere that resonates with the timeless themes of Kafka's works. Kraemer's German lyrics, seamlessly integrated into the music by Dieckmann, add depth and authenticity to the album's narrative.

What sets "Kafka in Berlin" apart is its ingenious incorporation of excerpts from Kafka's diaries, lending a poignant authenticity to the electronic compositions. These excerpts serve as a bridge between past and present, forging a mesmerizing connection that transcends time and space. The album takes listeners on a captivating journey through the shades of Kafka's psyche, offering a profound exploration of his innermost thoughts and emotions.

In conclusion, "Kafka in Berlin" is a darkwave masterpiece that showcases Thorax-Wach's unparalleled ability to blend past and present, literature and music, into a cohesive and compelling auditory experience. With its rich sonic tapestry and insightful lyricism, the album stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of Kafka's work and the transformative power of music to illuminate the human condition.