Extras, The
Closer (red/black)
Explosive, emotional, uncompromising, and too loud. In a rock landscape that increasingly oscillates between retro glamour and digital calculation, THE EXTRAS are taking on a role that seems long since abandoned: that of a band that doesn't confuse emotionality with pathos, that combines punk roots with songwriting prowessand that has the attitude without shouting slogans. Founded in Cologne in 2023, but with international DNAtwo of the four members hail from the USAthey combine the raw spirit of the American underground with contemporary European culture. Founders Elmar Freels (Cologne) and Jon Manierre (New York) are complemented by trans guitarist Killer Krissy, drummer extraordinaire Leroy Kaldenbach, and bassist Pat Bewick. With their distinctive, wide-screen sound, sophisticated lyrics, and turtleneck sweaters inspired by Lou Reed (only in white), THE EXTRAS are a stylish exception. They combine raw energy with accessibility, melancholy with anger, punk with pop - and show that empowerment can also be loud, chaotic and collective.