Backtrain Places by Palinstar

Ready for safe places, Palinstar style? "Backtrain Places" marks the debut album of the Swiss songwriter with the legendary, sensuous voice. Heart Rock at its best – big melodies, simple lyrics, right to the heart.

The songs, some of which had been tucked away in the drawer for a long time, oscillate between Indie and Americana. At times, they rumble with two drum sets, at others, they feature odd meters and fuzz guitars. And above it all, Palinstar’s voice always floats – unique, touching, warming.

The album was completed with Mario Hänni (Mnevis, Sophie Hunger) as co-producer in Zurich. Additional guests include Linda Vogel (harp), Rea Dubach (voc, Omni Selassi), Mirko Schwab (dr, Omni Selassi), Alexander Kranabetter (keys, Voodoo Jürgens), and Madeline McCormack (b, keys, Faye Webster, Westerman, Snail Mail). The mixing was done by Noah Georgeson (Alice Phoebe Lou, Andy Shauf, Cate Le Bon), and mastering by Philip Shaw Bova (Feist, Angel Olsen).

This illustrious lineup isn’t just name-dropping; it’s a display of Palinstar’s musical multiverse: a mix of American and Swiss gems from her circle of friends, which the multi-instrumentalist has cultivated during her time as bassist for Boytoy and Kush K, as well as drummer for One Sentence. Supervisor. Yet, there was always a feeling of rootlessness, a search for that one retreat. Until the realization came: this place – is Palinstar herself! And that’s exactly what the album is about.

The lyrics touch on themes like self-empowerment, self-care, change, and sustainability. Written in “Spenglish”, i.e., direct translations like "Shaking Frost" (Schüttelfrost), "Fat Air" (dicke Luft), or "Backtrain Places" (Rückzugsorte), which listeners can discover in the song lines.

Together, these nine tracks form a time capsule. Or: a collection of songs documenting Palinstar’s process. Gay-stuff without fear of kitsch, deserving a heavy medal.

"Backtrain Places" will be released on 21.02.25 via Mouthwatering Records (Black Sea Dahu, To Athena) & FUGA Music. Between mid-October and mid-December, Palinstar performed twelve shows, including at Bad Bonn, Düdingen, and the Echolot Festival in Lucerne.

Palinstar is a parallel universe, planet, and self-heroine all at once. Behind the name lies a distinguished multi-instrumentalist who has toured globally with Boytoy, supported Caroline Rose, performed at KEXP with Kush K. Now, they present their artistic vision: gay stuff, Emotional Jetlag, Heart Rock. A blend of Americana melodies with simple lyrics, inspired by Lana Del Rey and Nirvana.