schntzl

schntzl is a Belgian duo that creates hyper visual music, provocative but kind. Their music can be heard as pop music of a parallel universe, a teardown of established values but with a taste for kitsch. Accompanied by their percussion, samplers, keyboards and drums they function as a fail-safe orchestra of two people, dancing and orbiting around each other.

schntzl has come a long way, starting their journey with jazz/classical influenced minimalism. In their early albums and EPs, schntzl was also drawing inspiration from pop and chamber music.Their love for outdated synths and purifying approach resulted in poetic and filmic miniatures, creating songs with an almost childlike simplicity.

But don’t be fooled; their third album Holiday (2023), marked a bold departure into exhilarating new territories, incorporating elements from frenetic hyperpop and musique concrète reminiscent of Pierre Bastien. The two skilled musicians have left the claustrophobic jazz frame behind, surprising everyone along the way (including Lefto, Kiosk Radio and Schiev festival).

As they prepare for their upcoming album, they are crafting a live show with immersive sound, navigating the delicate balance between the raw sound of drums (inspired by artists like Still Houseplants, Astrid Sonne and Hudson Mohawke) and hyper-digital synths and electronics (reminiscent of Oneohtrix Point Never, AG Cook, Hannah Diamond, and Giant Claw). In this process, they shed the dated synth sounds and acoustic piano of their previous records, venturing into a futuristic sonic landscape that exudes a darker club experience. Thematically and musically schntzl keeps on looking for moments of pure childlike simplicity and joy.

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