Kombynat Robotron – AANK LP (Fuzz Club)
The psych-rock scene has been thriving in recent years, with many excellent bands popping up from all parts of the globe, delivering music worth checking out. However, it seems like many of them overly experiment with various influences, mimic their favorite groups, or try to reinvent the same old wheel by bringing compositions to the table that vividly resemble something the greats of the genre recorded and performed decades ago. Thankfully, there are bands like Kombynat Robotron whose music transcends clichés due to their ability to blend multiple complementary music genres simultaneously without sacrificing their signature sound. AANK, their latest full-length album released in July 2025, exemplifies their willingness to try something bold, new, and unique without straying too far from the sonic maneuvers they’ve been known for over the years. Those stumbling upon this magnificent German psych-rock unit might expect all those fundamental elements of the genre, expertly blended with generous servings of noise rock, krautrock, spacerock, stoner, and many other similar styles that defined and decorated their music for so long. The best part about AANK is how Kombynat Robotron uses all these additional music genres as more than necessary enhancements, accentuations, decorations, and other details to uplift these compositions to an entirely new level while simultaneously remaining loyal to the primary sonic direction. This level of dedication to the craft is rarely heard or seen nowadays, especially on a psych-rock scene, which is usually oversaturated with bands and artists delivering the same old sound. Another good thing about AANK is how Kombynat Robotron incorporated qualities that define all those trends in modern music production, yet there’s a subtle touch of nostalgia lurking around that makes this material so catchy, addictive, hypnotic, and irresistible. Therefore, these experimentations with various approaches, directions, techniques, and styles resulted in a comprehensive collection of fascinating songs that will not only appeal to the loyal psych rock fans but also anyone who appreciates cleverly assembled and flawlessly performed music.
Kombynat Robotron employs propelling rhythmic patterns, profoundly heavy basslines, thoughtfully crafted guitar interplays, and hypnotic vocal lines. This formula works quite well for them, as each composition arrives as a wisely, tastefully, expertly constructed soundscape that immediately wraps around your listening apparatus, grabs you by the collar, and transports you to an entirely different realm. Each track arrives with a perfect structure, replete with many profoundly detailed segments, brilliant ideas, and marvelous instrumentations. Another detail worth mentioning is how all these songs gradually evolve. It seems like everything revolves around those tastefully arranged, flawlessly performed, well-accentuated beats, breaks, fills, and other percussive acrobatics. In many cases, they’re a starting point or they play a significant role in shaping a colossal sonic backdrop. Besides keeping everything in line and dictating groove and pace, they also provide tremendous power and dynamics while simultaneously cutting the ambiance with all those snare hits, bass drum kicks, hi-hat accentuations, and cymbal splashes. Of course, there are also all those vividly hearable, intricate, warm-sounding, or slightly distorted basslines, rumbling beneath the guitars and contributing more than necessary heaviness, clarity, and depth while simultaneously acting as a binding element between the mentioned instrumentations and rhythmic sequences. The interplays between various guitar layers not only shape the overall ambiance but they also serve as a perfect backdrop for all the vocals to shine upon. On one side, all those catchy, memorable, hypnotic, addictive, irresistible leads, themes, melodies, harmonies, experimentations, and other sonic maneuvers shine, making this material as detailed as possible. On the other side, you’ll notice powerful riffs, chord progressions, occasional cacophony, and other orchestrations, providing another layer of soundscapes that make this material so good. It’s nearly mindblowing how all these layers articulate without overwhelming each other. As usual, everything is drenched in heavy dosages of reverby, echo, and delay, for a more psychedelic, cave-like feel.
Of course, the lead vocals also play a significant role here, elevating everything to new heights, commanding attention, or guiding listeners through the particular segments. These reverby shouts bring more detail to the table while simultaneously working as another layer that balances melody and harmony with rawness and aggression. As you can see, Kombynat Robotron thought about everything while writing, composing, arranging, recording, and producing this material. AANK has many highlights, so it’s one of those recordings that demands repeated listens to grasp everything these experienced, creative, talented musicians intended to achieve with it. Tracks like “Staub,” “Morast,” “Ikarus,” “Unbehagen,” “Sauerstoff,” and “Finsternis” are unquestionably standouts, but you should pay attention to the entire material, because AANK is one of the finest psych-rock recordings you’ll hear in a while. If you’re looking for an excellent album, packed with some of the finest, energetic, powerful, detailed, catchy compositions, packed with the fundamental elements borrowed from psych rock, krautrock, and noise rock, AANK will be right up your alley. Therefore, head to Fuzz Club and purchase this psych rock gem on vinyl. You won’t be disappointed!
#FUZZCLUB #KOMBYNATROBOTRON #KRAUTROCK #MUSIC #NOISEROCK #PSYCHROCK #PSYCHEDELICROCK #REVIEWS
