Discover the sounds behind Cologne’s psych-pop outfit ACUA! For this edition of Off The Shelf, Maja, Igor, Caro and Patrick pull back the records and hand-pick some of their favourite tracks, the ones that have been on their minds, influencing their sound and shaping who they are as artists.
Maja picks…
James Blake – Retrograde
I just love how the song builds itself up. It starts off so innocently, but when that massive wall of synthesisers comes in, I get hit by a wave of melancholy that sweeps everything away.
Sassy 009 – Enemy
It’s really inspiring how this song features so many things that I love across all music genres. It ties a really neat package of synthesiser layers, a good breakbeat and a dark, mysterious atmosphere while making you want to dance immediately.
Igor picks…
Foals – Blue Blood
It was a revelation to hear music where all instruments and elements were equally important – where the whole is more than the sum of its parts.
Mount Kimbie ft. Mikachu – Marilyn
I used effects as a guitarist before, but it was only through ACUA that I started using them with a bass and they are now an important part of what I do on stage.
Local Natives – When Am I Gonna Lose You
Listening to bands with multiple vocalists taught us a lot about how to sing together.
Caro picks…
Fontaines D.C. – In ár gCroíthe go deo
Catchy, raw, honest and shows the versatility of the band, which is also a central part of ACUA.
Prewn – System
The perfect combination of vulnerable lyrics paired with a powerful song; goosebumps every time I listen to this.
Radiohead – Paranoid Android
If I had to pick one favourite band, it’s got to be Radiohead
Patrick picks…
Chris Cohen – As If Apart
Leaning back into this smooth voice of Chris Cohen and then this rollercoaster-adventure-park theme played on the e-piano. It makes cloudy days sunny.
Caribou – Bowls
Psychedelic bowls ping-ponging through your head. It’s always the medicine to refresh your ears after you had too much sugarpop from the radio.
ACUA is a psych-pop/alternative band from Cologne.
After over 100 concerts and successful tours across Europe, Canada, the UK and Japan, as well as the release of two studio albums, Head Under Water and Is There More Past Or More Future, ACUA is currently preparing the release of their third album.
Patrick (vocals, guitar), Caroline (drums), Maja (synthesiser), and Igor (bass) have built a remarkable reputation through their captivating, hypnotic live shows.
With atmospheric guitars, driving drums, swirling synthesisers, and melodic basslines, ACUA has shared the stage as support act for artists such as FKJ, Darwin Deez, The Japanese House, Sam Evian, and OMNI. They have also performed at prominent festivals like Melt! Festival, Reeperbahn Festival, Canadian Music Week and Herzberg Festival.
See ACUA live when they headline The Victoria on Thursday, 16th July!
Find them online @ACUAmusic
