One’s discovery of new music is an ongoing process. I have to, nay, must argue with those who say as one gets older as a human that you are less open to new music. That has not been my case for me! I am aided in my discovery of the new by social media, and by writing for this website. Yet again the boss offered me an album for review by a band not in my orbit.

Toundra is a band from Madrid that has been releasing music since 2008. Das Cabinet des Dr. Caligari is the band’s sixth album.

The title of this album comes from a classic silent film from 1920. (There are some newer versions out there.) The band have created a soundtrack to this film, which I’ve never seen. But like all wonderful music without words, my brain created visuals to go along with the music as I listened.

The set here provokes the mystery and expectations of what might come next – perhaps something horrible, perhaps something strange.

Guitar leads many of the themes presented. A favorite moment for me is the track
Akt III, where the quiet moodiness of the piano guides the listener to a buildup of sonics that create tension in the moment.

All the scene pieces presented here flow together, as good soundtracks should. The music also piqued my interest in seeing the film – and to check out Toundra’s other albums!

Das Cabinet des Dr. Caligari kept my interest whilst I listened and nothing felt out of place or overlong.

If you enjoy bands such as The Fierce And The Dead and Explosions In The Sky, give Toundra your ears for a little while.

Rating: 9/10

Tracklist:

1.Titelsequenz
2.Akt I
3.Akt II
4.Akt III
5.Akt IV
6.Akt V
7.Akt VI

Band members:
Alberto Tocados (bass, synths)
Alex Pérez (drums)
David Paños “Macón” (guitars)
Esteban Girón (guitars)

Release date: 28 February 2020
Label: InsideOut Music
Website: www.toundra.es/caligari.html
Facebook: www.facebook.com/toundra
Twitter: twitter.com/toundra
Instagram: www.instagram.com/toundra
Info about the film: www.imdb.com/title/tt0010323/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0