Shortcuts went on a beach holiday! They came back with an EP in their luggage, which is tellingly titled “Strand”.

It is sometimes about “lying in the sun” or “swimming in the sea”, “journey” in the literal and figurative sense is a recurring motif. But anyone who expects a kind of vacation report set to music or even concept music is thinking too short-sightedly.

There are a few things different on “Strand” than on the previous two releases. The record is not only the most electronic, but also the most guitar-heavy in the band’s history to date. The music is also much more straightforward this time, which brings the duo closer to their live sound. “Strand” is also the first Shortcuts record with completely German lyrics. Another special feature is that Jule does not play drums on any of the songs, as usual, but guitar.

But the rest remains the same. On “Strand” Shortcuts also live up to their name: you can hear short, concise songs in which nothing more is said and played than necessary.