Handjerks is the musical project of Julian Bauer, a half-Norwegian, half-German Berliner whose formal background is not in music but rather in film, literature, philosophy and Scandinavian studies. Like the rest of the New Pangea roster, Handjerks share a sense of theatricality, but the similarity stops there. Dissonant folk intersects with glowing puffs of synthesizers, and dumpster-dived percussion reenacts medieval breakbeats, while a mournfully rich voice recites emotional manifestos.
The debut EP by Handjerks is entitled 'Indexical', gathering five songs, including the centerpiece “On a Verge”. Its lyrics hint at the namesake of Bauer's project: “I construct hands that won’t touch the deeper meaning / I jerk my jerk off / He comes with game theories.” The accompanying video, replete with hand gestures and jerky choreography, is directed by Paola Calvo (whose documentary on a BDSM living community in Berlin, 'Violently Happy', was released in cinemas earlier this year).
Handjerks' adventurous sonic world – maximalist yet intimate – was rendered into HD by producer Sam Slater, known for his work with Jóhann Jóhannsson, Shapednoise, Árni Arnason (The Vaccines), Soft Grid and Boiler Room. Outside of the studio, Handjerks have performed throughout Germany, most recently at this year's Torstraßen Festival in Berlin amongst the likes of Devon Welsh (Majical Cloudz) and Steven Warwick (Heatsick). Handjerks does have in common their respective dramatic and academic leanings, although Bauer himself cites Nico, Whitney Houston and Spyro Gira as defining influences.
credits
released July 14, 2017
All tracks produced by Handjerks and Sam Slater.
All tracks mastered by Freddy Knopp in Listeners Berlin.
Artwork by Simon Haßler
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