It’s so beautiful, life is beautiful.
Unfortunately, there’s just a tiny problem
And that’s you, just you
Life would be better without the others.
Now ANTILOPEN GANG has released a new double album.
After the success of “Anarchy and Everyday Life“, especially the punk record that came with it, the three have created a sort of sequel.
The first CD of this release contains ten rap/hip hop tracks, while the second CD leans towards punk. This time, however, without any well-known guests from the punk scene. This time, they let multi-instrumentalist Samuel “Männi“ Dickmeis handle almost everything.
He not only played guitar, bass, and drums on the second CD, with a few exceptions, but he also recently released his own little album (the review is here: https://www.ramtatta.de/s/reviews/f/details/id/10220/).
“Männi“ brought the trio together because the guys know each other from their Aachen days, and who needs expensive studio musicians when you have friends? What could be better than hanging out with friends and making music?
ANTILOPEN GANG has been sitting a bit between the chairs for years. They have aptly summarized this situation on “Everything Must Be Repaired” with the simple line:
...to the punks for rap, to the rappers for punk...
However, they are not sitting alone between the chairs, as shown by the large and often sold-out concerts they have played in the past. This will certainly not change in the future.
Why?
ANTILOPEN GANG are now not only life-experienced but also sufficiently reflective to know what they can do and what they want to express with their songs.
They are not afraid to provoke or release very personal songs to their audience.
It’s not everyday that an album opens with a calm, profound, yes, deep psychological and yet provocative song. “Nothing Forever” is a multi-layered, questioning piece that stimulates thought.
Much has already been said in the media about “October in Europe.” Why did I think of “Germany in Autumn” by that irritating band from Frankfurt am Main while listening to the piece? Just one of the many references that ANTILOPEN GANG, as always, has in their releases, or is there more to it? “October in Europe” is, on one hand, an important and correct song, but on the other hand, it leaves me a bit confused.
Serious topics are addressed by the trio on the first CD. Serious as life.
What was the name of one of Normahl's live albums? “Serious is Life, Cheerful is Art.”
So it is also on CD 1. With “Direct Comparison” or “Life is Beautiful,” there are also cheerful offerings, but overall, this is not a feel-good album.
It is a reflective, questioning, and demanding album that ANTILOPEN GANG delivers with fitting beats and rap parts, showcasing the trio's class.
CD 2 is for the punks among us.
Here, with “I Don’t Help with Parades,” “American Fitness at Hermannplatz,” and “Murder on the Cruise Ship,” there is certainly lighter fare. The fun is wrapped in appealing '77 punk with mod influence and melodic pop-punk.
Overall, I must say that the melodies the three have in their songs come across better here.
A wonderful love declaration can also be found on the second CD, with “Away from Here.” You can sing along perfectly and it gives off a great mood because being two is less lonely.
I can’t help but think of Wizo with “Nice Neighbor.” Wizo also has songs in their repertoire that end with blood, death, and massacre. That’s how it is with the beautiful facade; behind it lies horror...naked horror.
Speaking of Wizo, “Ruhrpott Rodeo” comes to mind. The song reminds me of a song about the ass of the world and making money. Additionally, the first words remind me of the song “Welcome to Berlin” by the Xarecrows, but who remembers the Xarecrows? Let’s get back to the topic.
Are punk festivals just overpriced camping sites with music now?
Good question, as there are fewer and fewer DIY festivals where it’s not primarily about making money, but about having fun together, enjoying freedom, and meeting friends. However, since all of this also works with money and we ultimately live in capitalism, we also like to sing about a better future at a festival with an entrance fee of well over €150. Interestingly, ANTILOPEN GANG will play at the “Ruhrpott Rodeo” in 2025.
Is that inconsistent?
Or is it all not meant that way?
Is this still punk rock?
So there’s plenty to stimulate thought about this double album.
You can say what you want, but...
ANTILOPEN GANG...are still the best in direct comparison.
