Ohtis – 'Schatze'

Nearly two years after the release of their critically acclaimed debut album ‘Curve of Earth’, Illinois band Ohtis return with brilliant new single ‘Schatze’.

At its core, ‘Schatze’ is a character analysis of the “Selfish Antisocial Male”. Told through the lens of a long put-upon girlfriend – played here by Detroit indie musician Stef Chura - the track actively denounces his questionable behaviour. Vocalist Sam Swinson explains “I got the idea for the song on an oceanfront balcony up in Cambria when my wife got annoyed by my neurotic vape addiction crampin’ the vibes.” The dramatic rendition of what feels like a heated conversation (dare I say argument) is wrapped into an appropriately dynamic soundscape of surprisingly light-hearted guitars and cynical vocals. A distinct sense of red, hot irritation on one end, unrepentant self-awareness on the other, seeps through the track’s unfiltered energy and clever lyricism: “Fuck you very much, Sir.” – “It’s my pleasure.”

Dark, raw, but always tinged with a refreshing sense of sardonic wit, ‘Schatze’ marks the start of a new cycle for Ohtis. Follow-up single ‘Failure’ that finds our antisocial protagonist in a moment of introspective crisis, has already been announced for release in February. 2021 is shaping up to be a year of insights into the brutally honest mind of Sam Swinson. 

Words by Laura Freyaldenhoven

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