In the space of 10 years, the post-punk revival which has shaken the UK to its core has spawned countless new bands, each bolder and more exciting than the last. In Black Midi’s case, the scope of influences seems to have broadened beyond words. Twisting together the formulas for math rock, krautrock and progressive, Georgie Greep (vocals/ guitar), Cameron Picton (bass/vocals), Matt Kwasniewski-Kelvin (guitar) and Morgan Simpson (drums) have an uncanny ability to rebuild every code and rule they smash to pieces. Dominated by massive rhythmicity, Schlagenheim is unlike anything before it, perhaps owing to the forward-thinking writing process of its young London-based creators – working additively and subtractively around an initial musical structure. Their endless jams sometimes become a single riff, which spans across a few measures. Black Midi’s songs are shapeshifting, otherworldly; a sort of droning, ambient, noisy thing according to Greep. A musical approach reminiscent of the free, uncompromising, unhinged brand of rock’n’roll so characteristic of Swans, Boredoms, Neu!, Public Image Ltd., Merzbow, Fugazi, Test Icicles and more. Black Midi isn’t content to follow in others’ footsteps; they are heralds of change in the rock scene. Schlagenheim: An uncompromising affair. © Marc Zisman/Qobuz