Sara K. Hell or High Water DMM LP

As Hell or High Water celebrates its 20-year anniversary, Stockfisch Records is releasing this audiophile masterpiece for the first time on LP. And it's not just a regular "vinyl," but an EcoRecord, which is produced more sustainably and with the high audio quality that Stockfisch is known for.

With the 10 impressive songs on this record, the American singer/songwriter shows us more than her musical cosmos; she grants us glances into her soul. She is bold, she goes exactly where she wants to go and takes the listeners with her, whom she captures with her distinctive voice.

Her lyrics are unique and deeply emotional with powerful substance. She was once aptly described as a "gentle hand in a boxing glove" that transports you to a realm of dreams.

The album offers a wide musical spectrum: the classic "I Can't Stand the Rain" is a flawless example of a 12-bar blues and "Set You Free" has its roots deep in the Delta with its beautiful boogie-piano in the style of Dr. John, which was played here by none other than Christian Willisohn. "Streetlight's On" is pure poetry.

Alongside the legendary Chris Jones on a variety of acoustic guitars, Hans-Jörg Maucksch shapes the magnificent sound with his fretless e-bass. Beo Brockhausen adds exceptional accents to the songs with percussion, saxophone and countless other unusual instruments.

The focus is on transparency and airiness within Günter Pauler's brilliant mix. It proves how natural, alive and unadulterated HiFi can sound when there are professionals at work who know what they're doing.

-Mathias Pack, July 2026