In may of 1940, the Netherlands were attacked by Nazi-Germany. The occupation lasted five years until the country was liberated. Five traumatic years during which Henk Hofstede’s mother grew up in Amsterdam, only to spend liberation day ill in bed. Now fast forward to the Seventies and the relationship between both countries is still less than friendly. The shadow of World War II still hangs in the air. But then things change ever so subtly. To young people, Germany suddenly becomes very attractive, via the motorcycles that young people ride around town with, via the long haired German football players, via the synthesizers from Germany and the mechanical sounds of Kraftwerk and all the other exotic sounds from the neighboring country. Once again, the Nits choose a different approach to their work, not working with a concept or prepared demoes, but building on improvising sessions at their workspace, the WERF. Sound design and production: Darren Hayne.
Dial Nits
Radio Oranje
„Angst“ is an album of memories. Memories of World War II, of Dutch nazis, of “Fanta erfrischt”. But then also memories of the Seventies, of Saturday evenings and grandma’s place, with Dutch showmaster Rudi Carrell on the TV and the men in the family playing cards. And, “Angst” is also the first of three albums where the songs were improvised.
- Broadcast on:
- 12 Apr 2025
A celebration of the Dutch band Nits EP 24
„Angst“ is an album of memories. Memories of World War II, of Dutch nazis, of “Fanta erfrischt”. But then also memories of the Seventies, of Saturday evenings and grandma’s place, with Dutch showmaster Rudi Carrell on the TV and the men in the family playing cards. And, “Angst” is also the first of three albums where the songs were improvised.