Present Paradox
- Release
- 04/17/2026
About
Present Paradox, the music project by David Kleinekottmann from Dortmund, explores of the often opaque nature of the present. The result is a fusion of melancholic and danceable elements, expansive and intimate at the same time, diverse and yet familiar. Since 2013, Kleinekottmann has been regularly releasing LPs/EPs that move between indie, experimental rock and electronica.
Early on, former Cocteau Twins bassist Simon Raymonde expressed his enthusiasm on British radio: "That's an exciting sound David is making!"*. And Thoralf Koß, editor-in-chief of Musikreviews.de, attests to Present Paradox's fine "feel for addictive melodies and poetic lyrics "*.
In 2016, David Kleinekottmann began bringing the sound of the Present Paradox music to the stage. Equipped with keyboard, guitar, sampler and a varied set, always ready to give his all on stage and sink into the songs. The German concert critic Captain's Dinner wrote about the last performance shortly before the outbreak of the 2020 pandemic: "A project that undoubtedly has international class and definitely deserves more attention"***.
*Simon Raymond on AmazingRadio - 2013
**Music Reviews - The Rhythm Of Spring Review - 2019
*** Captain Diner on Facebook - 2020
Indie Rock | Electronica/Dance | Pop
Links
Source
A Journey Between Unrest and Renewal: A Vibrant Sea
PRESENT PARADOX – A VIBRANT SEA
PRESS RELEASE | NEW SINGLE & ALBUM ANNOUNCEMENT
Present Paradox releases the single “A Vibrant Sea” and announces the eponymous album for April
Present Paradox releases the single “A Vibrant Sea” and announces the album of the same name
With the release of the single “A Vibrant Sea” on 9th Feburay 2026, Present Paradox offers the first glimpse of his upcoming album of the same name. The track marks the beginning of a musical journey oscillating between atmospheric density and rhythmic complexity. Accompanying the single, a music video is also released today.
The Single: A Loop Between Closeness and Distance
“A Vibrant Sea” explores the feeling of missing the mark – a state in which something seems within reach but slips away at the decisive moment. “It’s less about failure and more about hanging in the air,” describes David Kleinekottmann, capturing the central mood of the piece.
The Album: A Vibrant Sea
Set to release on April 17, 2026, A Vibrant Sea continues the sonic and thematic trajectory of Present Paradox’s previous work, A Trace To Keep Control (May 2024). The sound is enriched by string arrangements and complex delay guitars reminiscent of Robert Fripp or Jonny Greenwood.
The album title reflects a state of constant unrest: the songs move through a tension between digital and analog sound layers, bureaucratic coldness, and latent overwhelm. Time and again, a sense of stability seems within reach – an offer that turns out to be Faustian in nature and is consciously rejected. The closing piano piece “White Paper” provides a clear break after this refusal: a moment of emptiness that simultaneously opens the possibility for a new beginning.
Some material originated during rehearsals for the A Trace To Keep Control tour, while other pieces emerged from intensive studio experiments with rhythmically interwoven delay structures. “2024 and 2025 were musically very inspiring years. Albums by The Smile, Nick Cave, Squid, or Idles served as important reference points, forming a kind of musical template for what happened both socially and privately,” Kleinekottmann explains. Key recordings took place at Twistesee, which also inspired the album title and artwork. Due to the wealth of material, a continuation is already in planning.
About Present Paradox
Present Paradox is the project of Dortmund-based musician and film scholar David Kleinekottmann, who has been regularly releasing LPs and EPs since 2013. The project intentionally defies clear genre classification, navigating between indie, experimental rock, and electronica. Characteristic is a strong DIY approach: Kleinekottmann oversees the entire creative process – from the first sketch to arrangement, recording, and final production. His mobile home studio is not a makeshift solution but a fully realized instrument for sound design.
A Vibrant Sea will be available on all major streaming platforms, as well as on-demand on vinyl and CD, starting April 17, 2026.
About Present Paradox
Present Paradox is the project of Dortmund-based musician and film scholar David Kleinekottmann, who has been regularly releasing LPs and EPs since 2013. The project intentionally defies clear genre classification, navigating between indie, experimental rock, and electronica. Characteristic is a strong DIY approach: Kleinekottmann oversees the entire creative process – from the first sketch to arrangement, recording, and final production. His mobile home studio is not a makeshift solution but a fully realized instrument for sound design.
A Vibrant Sea will be available on all major streaming platforms, as well as on-demand on vinyl and CD, starting April 17, 2026.
Tracklist:
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A Vibrant Sea
-
Office Words
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Apologies
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Blinded By The Light Of The Screen
-
Stand Still
-
The Edge
-
Faust Barre
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White Paper
Composer / Lyricist: Present Paradox
Saxophone, Flute: Michael A. Grant
Violin: Jessica Townsend
Guitar, Bass, Vocals, Piano, Synths, Drum Sampling: David Kleinekottmann
Mastering: Aria Mastering
CD & Vinyl Production: ElasticStage
Non-Public Preview Stream: https://on.soundcloud.com/GPGE7lE73A2eZi0ogj
Dispatch Details
| Release Format: | Album |
| Release Type: | Digital & Physical |
| Country: | Germany |
| Distributor: | recordjet |
| Record Label: | Paradox Tape Records / recordjet |
| Release Title: | A Vibrant Sea |
