Novel German Cinema to Perform Debut Album in Brighton

Jessica Weiss, formerly of Fear of Men, will perform tracks from her debut solo album as New German Cinema at The Folklore Rooms in Brighton on April 25, 2026. The performance will showcase material from Pain Will Polish Me, an album deeply inspired by the work of German filmmaker Rainer Werner Fassbinder.

A Cinematic Soundscape

The live set is designed to mirror the album’s cinematic approach, utilizing layers of synthesizers and guitars to create a tense and atmospheric experience. Weiss’s new project represents a shift towards a more solitary and focused sound, departing from the structures of her previous band work to explore a “catarrhic, moody soundscape,” as described by local promoters.

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
• Time: 20:00 – 23:00
• Venue: The Folklore Rooms, 12 North Street, Brighton
• Age Restriction: 18+ (ID may be required)
• Ticket Price: £12.00 – £14.00 (prices vary depending on the platform)

Accessibility Information

The Folklore Rooms is located in a Grade II listed building from the 1860s and unfortunately does not have step-free access due to a staircase. Attendees with accessibility concerns are encouraged to contact the organizers or venue directly before booking to discuss their needs.

About Pain Will Polish Me

Pain Will Polish Me, produced with Alex DeGroot (Zola Jesus, Cate Le Bon), is described as a “meditation” on the work of Rainer Werner Fassbinder. The album, recorded over five years in both London and Los Angeles, explores themes of intimacy, control, and the dissolution of self in love. The lead single, “My Mistake,” features a collaboration with Carson Cox of Merchandise, who noted the collaborative process as a departure from initially planning to produce Fear of Men.

New German Cinema and the Influence of Fassbinder

Weiss has spoken about Fassbinder’s influence, noting his ability to bring unspoken aspects of German history into view. She aims to evoke a similar sense of unease through her music. The accompanying music video for “My Mistake,” directed by Luke Bather, draws on visual techniques from filmmakers like Douglas Sirk to explore themes of entrapment and alienation.

Tickets are available through various online platforms. Given the intimate size of the venue, the performance offers a unique opportunity to experience the new material in a close-quarters environment.