Profane

Equally inspired by Krautrock innovators like Can and modern descendants like Tortoise, this Munich-based quartet creates angular instrumental rock epics that straddle the line dividing compositional complexity from sterile precision. As with many "math rock" artists, the emphasis here is on the rhythm section, with bassist Michael Heilrath and drummer Thomas Geltinger creating a rock-solid foundation on which keyboardist Stefanie Bohm and guitarist Jurgen Soder can build their melodies. Songs like the opening "Plan" are cut from the same compositional cloth as the late, great Slint, with subtly shifting moods and textures built around a repetitive riff that grabs hold of your brain and won't let go. But occasionally the group relies too heavily on its precise rhythms, its often-sterile melodies failing to leave much of a lasting impression. Still, in an increasingly vibrant German rock scene, Couch ranks with Kreidler as one of the best.