Biography
Urlaub in Polen, a German outfit from Cologne, earned notice in the 2000s through their fusion of propulsive Krautrock beats, atmospheric synthesizer layers, and angular post-punk edges, delivered via vigorous live shows and meticulously engineered recordings. Close to a decade following their dissolution, the pair staged an unexpected return in 2020 through their sixth album, All.
Georg Brenner, who managed vocals, guitar, and synthesizer, launched the project in 1999 while based in Cologne alongside drummer Oli, though Oli exited shortly after the appearance of their debut EP that year.
Jan Philipp Janzen stepped in the next year on drums, samples, and synthesizer to become Brenner’s primary collaborator, locking in Urlaub in Polen’s two-man format.
Drawing from groups such as Neu! and Trans Am, the duo shaped a style defined by taut rhythms yet infused with noisy and exploratory qualities.
RAKETEmusik, the German noise rock label, recognized their work and signed them, resulting in the 2000 release of their second EP, Blue Car Live.
In the years that followed, Urlaub in Polen produced three albums for the imprint, starting with 2002’s Parsec, then White Spot in 2005, and the expansive Health and Welfare in 2006.
Their dynamic stage presence, at times augmented by inventive Super-8 slideshow visuals, supported steady touring that included a performance at Denmark’s Roskilde Festival.
After parting ways with RAKETE, the duo aligned with Strange Ways Records, which put out their 2009 album Liquid.
The more wide-ranging Boldstriker LP surfaced in 2011 at the same time Urlaub in Polen declared their breakup.
Nine years later they resurfaced on Tapete Records with 2020’s All, a release that surfaced pop leanings held by Brenner and Janzen.
Georg Brenner, who managed vocals, guitar, and synthesizer, launched the project in 1999 while based in Cologne alongside drummer Oli, though Oli exited shortly after the appearance of their debut EP that year.
Jan Philipp Janzen stepped in the next year on drums, samples, and synthesizer to become Brenner’s primary collaborator, locking in Urlaub in Polen’s two-man format.
Drawing from groups such as Neu! and Trans Am, the duo shaped a style defined by taut rhythms yet infused with noisy and exploratory qualities.
RAKETEmusik, the German noise rock label, recognized their work and signed them, resulting in the 2000 release of their second EP, Blue Car Live.
In the years that followed, Urlaub in Polen produced three albums for the imprint, starting with 2002’s Parsec, then White Spot in 2005, and the expansive Health and Welfare in 2006.
Their dynamic stage presence, at times augmented by inventive Super-8 slideshow visuals, supported steady touring that included a performance at Denmark’s Roskilde Festival.
After parting ways with RAKETE, the duo aligned with Strange Ways Records, which put out their 2009 album Liquid.
The more wide-ranging Boldstriker LP surfaced in 2011 at the same time Urlaub in Polen declared their breakup.
Nine years later they resurfaced on Tapete Records with 2020’s All, a release that surfaced pop leanings held by Brenner and Janzen.
Albums
Singles
