Flennen No. 16

Flennen No. 16 – Flennen – Apr 2025

Germany has had a thriving music scene for decades, whether it be the Krautrock scene through the 70s & early 80s, the Euro Disco of the 90s, or the classical artists of decades prior. However, today it can be a bit difficult to track the alternative and underground music trends that are impacting German culture in 2025. 

One label that creates a huge splash in trying to compile a bunch of local German artists is called Flennen, out of Berlin. The release marks their 16th, in their series of compilations. This compilation is vast, including 61 different tracks and artists, stretched across two cassette tapes. Including a variety of post-punk, hardcore, darkwave, and even a bit of house music. 

The first artist on the compilation that immediately caught my eye is Shafrah. A female-lead hardcore group that is based in Germany, but their lyrics are completely in Arabic. Powerful symbolism, and very tight musicians. They are a must for anyone into other Arabic punk such as Haram and Taqbir. Another strong female-lead hardcore performance comes at the beginning of the compilation with Saufknast, and their track Handschellen, for those more into something with a European style.

If you want to check out something more in the electronic side of things, BRD’s self titled track on his is a great piece of hypnotic house. However, the majority if this album stylistically, is varying styles of post-punk, so for those into more European styled post-punk, there are a huge number of artists all over this compilation

Overall, Flennen is a great label, that is a fantastic showcase of the great work that musicians are currently creating in the German DIY scene.