Tjalling

Tjalling is a four-piece ensemble based in the legendary squat Stroomhuis, a deconstructed power-station-turned-creative-bunker that is arguably the center of Eindhoven’s underground DIY-art scene. Erasing the already-blurry lines between shoegaze, post-rock, indie, and post-metal, the band has gained a reputation over the last few years for their extended compositions. Two of these pieces form the two albums they have to their name, the most recent of which, “a self repressed lie” (2019), was released on vinyl and limited edition cassette tape by Bagdaddy Records and Sky Lantern Records.

Perhaps the key to the success of their compositions is their emotional impact. Tjalling portrays an abstract personal reality regarding internal conflict in which the imagination of the audience is key. They celebrate darkness within the reflection of a mirror: the reflection of being, set in an intense and mature musical frame. With glass shards jutting out, the music tears open harsh honesty and bleeds an agonizing authenticity across the broken surface. Nowhere is this clearer than in their immensely powerful live performances: no matter the stage, setting, or audience, it’s hard to walk away from one of their shows without feeling like you have experienced something both powerful and cathartic.