“Come to the Night” by The Cöln
Songs composed over four decades ago are now resonating through the ether in the 2020s. The Cöln, a band with roots in the early '80s, makes a triumphant return, capturing the spirit of the era once again. The song “Come to the Night” captivates with its refreshing novelty as well as its nostalgic allure, and it is also a standout part of the recently released “Best of” album. We have personally discussed the reasons for this renaissance, the background of these developments, and the journey ahead with Dirk Schlömer. A fresh retro sound sweeps through the streets of Cologne and into our hearts, a treasure unearthed, now made available for enjoyment. “Come to the Night” by The Cöln – a musical experience that harmonizes the past and the present.
A tune that’s been around for 43 years, yet it only hit the recording studio in 2023. Who’s behind this blast from the past, and what inspired this musical comeback?
Dirk Schlömer (DS): Long story, I try to make it short: a Song by The Cöln has been used in a Long-Feature-Film about Cologne Football-Club 1.FC Köln - so I was confronted with the old tapes and started to remaster them in 2018. Because there was a complete album + many Live-recordings that have been UNRELEASED, so we decided to publish a fine Collector’s edition: Complete Works - in a box with 3 CD’s. And due to that release in July 2020 we decided to reunite and play some concerts in the original line-up.
But - it was the high time of Covid, so we could play only one beautiful concert in Cologne. Later that year we decided to work on some tracks in the studio, tracks that I had written back in 1981, some of which we had already tested live, but never recorded. So we started in 2021 with sending files back and forth - and here is the 1st new Track!
“Come to the Night” lets you relive the electric energy of the 80s. Does it stir up nostalgia, make you long for that spirit of the 80s again?
DS: Well, it is a bit nostalgic, because we were very young and full of energy. But also in a more objective way, the early 80’s were a very creative, experimental and crazy time. There was more freedom, as far as I’m concerned!
It’s also a highlight on the band’s Best of album. What treats are in store for our readers on this album?
DS : It contains some of the band's best and typical tracks, uptempo Rock with sharp breaks and catchy melodies. But also the Ballad - side and the Rock-Reggae - style that we adapted are featured on "Best-of".
Who were your muses back in the day, the ones who crafted your sound?
DS: Hermann Brood, Nina Hagen Band, The Police, Sunny Jim Band
What’s it like stepping back into the spotlight?
DS: I have been working my whole life as musician, both studio and live, so for me it was not that giant leap, but for some of the colleges it has been the 1st concert since…20, 30 years - so it was something very special, that we really enjoyed!
Looking at the music scenes then and now, what stands out to you as the major changes?
DS: Since everything has changed, it’s hard to pick out 1 item - I would say, the spirit of exploring new musical territories has been lost nearly completely since the early 2000’s. Creatively it is now just a question of mixing and combining different styles - like: let’s put in some 60’s vibe - lets arrange it in an 80’s mood, but what is the sound of the 20’s?
Will fans have the chance to groove to your tunes live?
Maybe, it is possible, that we play some festivals and club gigs in late summer, but I cannot confirm the dates today.
After this greatest hits milestone, what’s next? Are you cooking up new tracks, or was this a special one-off reunion?
We are working on a couple of other tracks, hoping very much to present a complete album. I myself produce a lot of Ambient under my name and I have a Space-Dub-band named Ornah Mental.
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