Hamburg-based alt-pop outfit counterglow have officially landed. The collaborative brainchild of indie visionaries Lauren Goodley and Jonas Grell, the duo have just unveiled their debut full-length record, 'echoes of self'. To celebrate the release, the pair will take to the stage for their first-ever headline show on 18 December in Hamburg, backed by a full five-piece band.
The sonic world of counterglow is a rich tapestry of dream-pop, indie-soul, and modern psychedelia. With shimmering synth textures and jazzy undertones, the album feels like a weightless journey through a cosmic landscape. It’s the kind of music that evokes the sensation of sprinting through a sun-drenched meadow before suddenly floating into a star-filled sky.
Surprisingly, 'echoes of self' wasn't a planned project. It grew out of informal, late-night sessions fuelled by pure creative curiosity. The turning point came with their first track, "soon." As the duo explains: “We realised, oh wow, this is something special. We should make more.” Initially intended as a solo project for Lauren with Jonas producing, the natural chemistry became impossible to ignore. They weren’t just collaborators; they were a band.
Thematically, the record serves as a vulnerable map of early adulthood, navigating the turbulent waters of overthinking, anxiety, and the search for belonging. Each track feels like a recurring internal dialogue—an "echo" of growth and eventual peace. As the band puts it: “This album is about realising you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.”
Drawing inspiration from the likes of Tame Impala, Beach House, and Cleo Sol, counterglow have still managed to carve out a niche that is entirely their own. And they aren't slowing down; the duo is already deep into a "concept-driven" second project for 2026, promising a bold shift into synth-pop and indie rock.
For more from the band, join them today on Instagram and TikTok.
