Hendrik Eichler’s Manic Anomaly

JazzToday | Hendrik Eichler’s Manic Anomaly
Thu, Sept. 3, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.
BLACK BOX at cuba

SIGNAL DETECTED
SOURCE: UNKNOWN
STATUS: UNSTABLE

It began with a pulse out of nowhere.
A fragment, a static, a glitch in the system.
The crew sets a course for it—into a field of anomalies, shifted coordinates, and overlapping realities. Orientation loses its meaning, time no longer flows linearly, and sound becomes the only form of navigation.

ERROR: REALITY NOT FOUND
A journey through black holes, alien worlds, and unstable spaces. Groove becomes gravity. Sound becomes space. Movement becomes direction.
No return.20

With Hendrik Eichler’s Manic Anomaly, the Cologne-based drummer and composer has formed an international quintet featuring outstanding voices from the European jazz scene. Featuring Angelika Niescier (saxophone), Kirke Karja (piano/synth), Teis Semey (guitar), and Louise van den Heuvel (bass), the ensemble not only pushes musical boundaries but deliberately leaves them behind.

Inspired by science fiction worlds from literature, film, and TV series—from *Star Trek* to Isaac Asimov’s *Foundation* saga, as well as visual and sonic influences from *Predator*, *Tron*, and beyond—the band develops its own sonic vision of the future, space, and transformation. These influences are not merely illustrative but shape the band’s musical language on a deeper level: as a conception of unknown spaces, new orders, and encounters with the incomprehensible.

The band invites its audience on a journey through such soundscapes—past alien planets, unstable space-time zones, and inexplicable cosmic phenomena. Their music combines the energy of modern jazz with electronic textures, cinematic soundscapes, and pulsating, rhythmic structures. This creates intense dramatic tension between fragile, floating moments and eruptive outbursts—as if gliding through different dimensions.

Each musical voice acts as its own navigation system within this journey: at times precise and guiding, at other times searching and explosive. Together, the band creates a sound that is both controlled and unpredictable—an open system that is constantly reshaping and evolving.

Lineup:
Hendrik Eichler– drums, composition
Kirke Karja– piano, synthesizer
Teis Semey– guitar
Louise van den Heuvel– bass
Angelika Niescier– saxophone

€15 regular price, €10 reduced price; Free admission for those under 20