Some say first impressions are important and Dusseldorf-based stoner rock trio Cosmic Marauder were really determined to make a strong impact with their first studio effort, a five-track EP titled "Venus Ryder". Fusing heavy and fuzzy riffs and thunderous rhythms with psychedelic and hazy tones, the EP reveals a young group already in possession of a strong maturity and sharpened songwriting skills. We had a brief Q&A with vocalist and guitarist Daniel Berndt to know a bit more about their past and this new EP.
Cosmic Marauder are relatively a new band in the music scene, so could you give us a brief history as to how and when the band got together?
Actually it was pure coincidence we came together. Drummer Dany and bass player Domi already played in several bands together before, mainly doing progressive kinds of rock. I also played in several metal projects and met Dany before so we decided to have a jam together and we matched perfectly, so Dany suggested to bring in Domi as a bass player. We all have some things in common and we like to listen to stoner rock and similar music. So we started to play more stoner rock music and it suited us so well that we decided to start this band.
What can you tell us about the new EP Venus Ryder? What went into it and made it the way it is?
In fact "Venus Ryder" is a compilation of the best first songs we wrote so far. We experimented so many musical directions and found out that these five songs form our band's signature sound.
One of the things I like in Venus Ryder is the contrast between psychedelic melodies and big, chunky riffs, is this balance something you consciously strive for and work towards?
The contrast between hard guitar riffs and melodies was indeed created on purpose. We want to create a unique sound that is easy to listen to, but that still pushes forward and stands apart when compared to other bands in this genre. We spent a lot of time to find the balance between these contrasts.
