Who are Fotos? They're only the most vital band in Germany right now, the leading lights of the new wave of German indie. The band consists of singer/guitarist Tom Heßler, bassist Frieder Weiss, Deniz Erarslan on lead guitar and drummer Benedikt Schnermann. The foursome hail from all across the country (Hamburg, Cologne and Wuppertal); bringing the best of those locals scenes together to create something unique.
Fotos released their self-titled debut in 2006, which spliced Britpop together with post punk and emo to create something The Libertines would have been proud of. The gig-tastic band became known for their frenetic live shows. Touring their debut album, Fotos played more than 100 shows across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Holland, France and the UK. This packed schedule culminated in wild scenes during the band's homecoming slot at 2007's Hurricane Festival in Scheeßel near Bremen. For such a well toured band with such diverse influences (not to mention the fact they sing in their native tongue) language is very important to Fotos.
The band believe communicating in other languages is the best way to get to know different cultures. Their second album - the Neil Young indebted 'Nach dem Goldrausch' (translation 'After The Goldrush') found the quartet ditching their more angular edges in favour of a poppier sound. The laid back funk of the title track recalls Maroon 5, while 'Ich hang an Dir und Duh angst an Mir' has a Timbaland-esque r'n'b edge to it. First released in their homeland, the album has drawn critical acclaim from all quarters.
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