You Be The Judge: Berlin Berlin, “Josef”

Bradley Stern | June 11, 2013 3:11 pm

We come across new artists each and every day, but are all acts worth making a fuss over? With You Be The Judge, we’re leaving it up to YOU, our readers. Should we keep tabs on these rising artists, leave their tunes behind — or at least let them stew a bit longer before we give them another chance?

Meet Berlin Berlin, an up-and-coming 3-piece Manchester-based electro-rock outfit.

After signing to the Manchester-based MUK Records in January, the troupe has just unveiled their debut single: “Josef,” a surging slice of gritty, electro-infused rock that invokes moody New Wave influences (a la Depeche Mode), Garbage and subtle traces of The Chemical Brothers.

Like their English brothers in synthpop, Hurts, the troupe manages to blend sleek styling with their brooding beats: The accompanying video is an emotional affair, following along as a man gradually transforms into a woman in front of a mirror, and capturing his inner struggle while doing so.

But then, there’s the song’s encouraging chorus to lead the way: “Don’t give up Josef / Oh no, don’t give up / There’s a love that flows through your veins,” lead singer Jonny Holland cries out across the glittering, arena-sized chant of a chorus.

Now, it’s your turn to decide: Is “Josef” a certifiable smash?

Listen to “Josef” above, then vote in our poll below to let us know if you want Berlin Berlin to remain a fixture on the site.

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