THE BIRCH

The Birch is an up-and-coming German modern-psychedelic rock trio that fuses analog warmth, twanging guitars, progressive structures, and cinematic sound textures into a style all their own.
Founded out of a shared love for psychedelic rock history and raw modernity, the band moves between hypnotic soundscapes, dark atmospheres, and driving rock’n’roll energy.
With their upcoming album ‘Vicious Minds‘, The Birch open a new chapter – more intense, bolder, and more emotional than ever.
On their new record, the German psych-rockers pack dark sonic clouds, Miami impressions, classic Hammond organs, and sweaty rock’n’roll vibes into seven tracks that oscillate between visionary modernity and retro-nostalgic soul.
Fok ‘bs‘ spoke with the band about courage, magical coincidences, inner demons, and the art of crafting a second album that refuses to be a copy of the first.
Your new album feels like a trip through light and shadow. Which inner ‘Vicious Minds‘ did you feel most strongly while writing the songs?
The Birch:
“Mountain Dew and American patriotism.”
You recorded in Miami – not exactly the typical location for German psychedelic rock. Which impressions of the city actually changed your sound?
The Birch:
“America in general is a very technical country, yet still very family-oriented and old-school. Miami in particular has a strong South American flair. All these impressions shaped the album’s sound significantly. And you definitely hear a lot more Aerosmith on the radio than in Germany.”
Many of your songs feel like they take place at night. Is darkness a creative state for you or more of an aesthetic statement?
Lucas Habenreich (guitars, vocals):
“Aesthetically, the night means very little to me. Still, it’s my main time of day, so it shapes the songs a lot. Nights have something ecstatic about them – ideally, everyone is where they want to be and who they want to be.”
How do you decide when a track should remain hypnotic – and when it’s allowed to ‘break out‘?
The Birch:
“There’s not much decision-making involved – it just happens. Our dogma is dynamics, and few things are as dynamic to us as music with sonic variety. Whether that’s psychedelic, noise, or trance doesn’t matter. We’re just unfortunately not yet pros on the synth.”
Your music often has a very cinematic character. Are there directors or film scenes that have influenced your sound?
The Birch:
“The first thing that comes to mind is the Jupiter scene from 2001 – A Space Odyssey. The way Stanley Kubrick creates tension in his films is definitely a big inspiration for us. Also Wes Anderson, who produces ultra-modern films with a vintage aesthetic, is clearly one of our inspirations.”
‘Downpour‘ features that special string arrangement. How does a psychedelic trio come to the decision to suddenly use strings?
The Birch:
“Our top priority is writing good songs, so we don’t restrict ourselves with a rigid concept. Without strings, the song would have felt like a rough draft to us. Just like the ‘naked versions’ of some Beatles songs don’t feel finished, we didn’t want to miss out on that obvious character.”
You sound modern but never artificial. Where do you draw the line between contemporary and timeless?
The Birch:
“Timeless means reflecting on what elements from the past still fit today’s world. We’ll always make loud, hard music as long as the world is loud and hard. But we can’t sing Vietnam flashbacks anymore – our time offers too much else. Being contemporary also means using modern technology because, in some areas, it’s simply better. We’re very glad we don’t have to play with a Woodstock PA.”
Many of your songs feel like dialogues with inner voices. Did you ever feel like you were watching yourselves while writing?
Lucas Habenreich:
“Not really. I write about things I can’t put into words. If I manage to do that somehow, it’s only in the form of lyrics. There’s little strategy behind it. I focus much more on certain craft elements in the writing.”
How has your band dynamic changed from the first to the second album – especially in moments when you didn’t agree?
The Birch:
“Unlike the first album, the second one comes entirely from our sessions. Since Volker became a permanent member, the writing process has become much more organic and everything flows into each other. When we argue, it’s about details – not about someone not standing out enough.”
If your music were a place – what color, what weather, what temperature would it have?
The Birch:
“A red house on La Gomera, 35°C, sunny, with clouds in the distance.”
Is there a musical ‘no-go‘ you’ve imposed on yourselves to keep your sound clear?
The Birch:
“Quantization and autotune… all natural.”
Psychedelic rock is experiencing a kind of renaissance right now. Do you see yourselves as part of that movement or as outsiders who just happen to orbit the same universe?
The Birch:
“We definitely see ourselves as part of it. The process of a young scene forming is slowly beginning, and we’re all very excited for what the future brings.”
What’s one question about THE BIRCH that nobody ever asks, even though it would reveal the most about you?
The Birch:
“No one ever asks: ‘Who’s driving?’ That would answer a lot. 😉 It’s Volker, by the way!”
THE BIRCH remain a band that refuses to be pinned down – neither by nostalgia nor by genre boundaries.
‘Vicious Minds‘ presents them more seasoned, bolder, and with the confidence to evolve their sound without compromise.
If the trio continues on this trajectory, the modern psych-rock world won’t be able to ignore them much longer.
Fok ‘bs’