Düsseldorf-raised dark electronic artist THUNDER BAE released her premiere album A WOMAN on 30 June through Cleopatra Records. It has only been a week since and I have listened to this album five times. It is absolutely otherworldly.
The first track ‘A BETTER ME (interlude)’ feels like lingering in a forest in front of the mouth of an enticing cave. From darkness, the outstretched hand of a serene, mysterious maiden appears from the shadows to guide you. Despite your fear of the unknown depths, you take her hand. By the second track ‘ARCHANGEL’, you are completely immersed in another realm and you do not want to leave.
‘ARCHANGEL’ opens with blooming strings, followed by a breath, then the beat lands. The vocal enters airy and polished, similar to Swedish songstress Lykke Li in sound. The chorus begins with “Lift me up to the sky / Sing me something slow and cruel” bringing Born To Die-era Lana Del Rey to mind, with the underlying notes of trap included.
‘OH MY SWORD’ is a hauntingly baroque expression of heart, body, and soul being at the mercy of their seducer. The instrumentation choices within the production are insane. A hymn in honor of being intoxicated by a lover.
If you were ever a teenage girl in a very dark place, the lyrics of ‘IN MY YOUNGER YEARS’ might feel like they’re for you, but in a whimsical way. For me, pop is at its best when it goes a little dark.
Natalie-Isabel Knopps is the sole singer, songwriter, and one of two producers behind the solo act that is THUNDER BAE. Her production chops are a force. Knopps’ work is primarily self-produced with additional production from longtime collaborator Etienne Baret. Between the blending of electronic, indie rock, trap, and gothic art pop and the masterful use of space and reverb, the album is pure craftsmanship.
“I don’t think in genres,” THUNDER BAE recently explained. “I don’t think anyone really does. When we feel something, it moves us—either inside or physically.”
If A WOMAN was meant to be an exploration of modern womanhood, identity, desire, vulnerability, and self-possession, THUNDER BAE has done it.
Upcoming Live Dates:
24 July 2026
MS Riverstar — Düsseldorf, Germany
Set Time: 9:00 PM – 10:00 PM CET
26 September 2026
Ratinger Hof — Düsseldorf, Germany
Doors: 7:30 PM CET
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