Over a month ago Lutz Bauer, the guy behind the electronics and programming of SixTurnsNine asked me if I'd be interested in reviewing the band's new album, 'Soul Glitches' and I said sure send me a copy of the CD. Well, the mail from Europe is really slow these days (for obvious geopolitical reasons) so I deceided that since it's kind of a slow time to just go on SixTurnsNine's Bandcamp site and check it out. The group is still a trio with Anja Valpiani (Vocals); Lutz Bauer (Electronics / Programming) and Philip Akoto (Bass Guitar). The album is nine tracks of downtempo gripping and stirring stories about dealing with such recurring, flashback-like “glitches” triggered by thoughts, feelings, or memories. The album reflects more mature songwriting (this being their third) and Anja's voice has never sounded better. She carries the lyrics with emotive expression and cool confidence. Comparisons with Portishead are inevitable but that band hasn't done anything new in a long while and their last album ('Third') was pretty mediocre and a lifetime ago in 2008. The music on 'Soul Glitches' is dark, bleak and riveted with industrial nuts and bolts, yet Anja's uber-melodic voice sounds like an angelic cry above the firmament. While the song structure isn't what I'd call complex, they do manage to pack a great amount of atmosphere into their minimal production. 'Soul Glitches' is somewhat heavier than their previous two albums, perhaps a sign of the times. Although they're all good I think the two most compelling tracks on the album are "Tripping Point" and "Distortion". This Düsseldorf band is touring now so if you happen to be in Germany, you should go see them. And if you're looking for 'Soul Glitches' on vinyl, you will have to go to the band's website (https://www.sixturnsnine.de/) because it's not available in that format on their Bandcamp site. Great stuff!