More than 10 years ago we received a 3-track demo… and it blew us away! We wanted to be part of it and have been working with THE PICTUREBOOKS ever since.

In the band’s “early years” they weren’t even of age, but songs, ideas and sounds already showed why THE PICTUREBOOKS tour worldwide nowadays. America is their second home and they work with musicians like Chrissie Hynde, Dennis LyxzVén or Cedrick Bixler Zavala.

Storm out of nowhere “List of People To Kill” (2009)

The debut album “List of People To Kill” appeared out of nowhere in spring 2009. No long band history, no side references, no predecessor bands – a fresh, young band from Gütersloh that appeared on the scene and played at the highest level. As a reward, the media were quick to unpack superlatives. The band was quickly counted among the best, described as a “musical storm” and a great future was predicted.

Ultimately, this was also confirmed by their stage performances. Here, too, the band didn’t shy away from jumping in at the deep end and played support for THE (INTERNATIONAL) NOISE CONSPIRACY, SOFTPACK, SPINNERETTE, TAKING BACK SUNDAY, MILLENCOLLIN, 65DAYSOFSTATIC, …

Maturity certificate “Artificial Tears” (2010)

The second album was released within 12 months. Musical puberty is peeled off and a certificate of maturity is laid down. “Artifical Tears” is not a repeat of the debut with new songs, but a development. More intimate and almost introverted, different from their euphoric, wild debut and yet a logical second step. Lascivious, feverish, danceable and full of surprises and ideas. Brazen guitar sounds, electronic splashes of color and always hooks and corners. References to all decades of rock music, such as the KRAFTWERK quotes in “Sensitive Feelings All Electric”, are deliberately placed and it’s worth listening carefully.

Breakthrough “Imaginary Horse” (2014)

The band made the leap: they played in numerous European countries, toured America and released their third album in 2014. Everything was questioned. Songwriting, sound and studio work were taken apart, modified and reassembled. Fundamental changes were made. The step from trio to duo is only representative of this process. Despite the minimal line-up, “Imaginary Horse” shines with its full and rich sound. Massive, heavy and powerful rhythms drive the spartan, bluesy guitar licks, tribal rhythms and backing vocals are reminiscent of Native American tribal chants.

It doesn’t seem particularly presumptuous to predict a great future for THE PICTUREBOOKS.