PROLLIGANS come from Saarland. The band existed from 2004 to 2006. After that, they went their separate ways. Pudolf, the singer and founding member, did not forget and bury the band like the others, but always had the thought of reviving it.
In 2009, it was finally time. New companions were found, and off they went. They were already working on a new album after the first rehearsals, which bears the wonderful name “…with good reason,” and for the band, it is much more than just a sign of life; it is a raucous scream against everyone.
PROLLIGANS, a name that consists of Prolls and Hooligans, look angry and a bit arrogant on the cover. Just as one would imagine with that name. Bald heads, tattoos, and fierce looks. That's how it is in the streetcore and Oi scene. One must show how tough and strong they are, for whoever it may concern.
However, the band knows not only how to pose but also how to make music. The sound blasting from the speakers is hellishly thick. Drums, bass, and guitar do a damn good job. The intro is wonderful for setting the volume on your home system before it kicks off with the first song “We Blow Everything Away.”
In terms of sound, PROLLIGANS remind me a lot of Toxpack or Troopers from Berlin. In terms of vocal melodies, OXO 86 from Berlin often comes to mind, even though OXO 86 is more of a ska-punk band. Musically, PROLLIGANS make a very good impression.
However, lyrically, the band cannot keep up with the good sound. The guys do put in effort regarding rhyme and didactics and address personal topics with songs like “The Law of Honor” or “Sparrow Brain,” but the Proll always comes through. The Proll that, in the otherwise good text of “Sparrow Brain,” calls people who anonymously criticize the band “faggots.” That doesn’t fit and leaves a bad aftertaste. This is compounded by lyrics like those in the song “Bald” that scratch very close to the edge of stupidity. Moreover, the band contradicts itself with the lyrics to “Bald,” as can be heard in the song “We Blow Everything Away” and read in the booklet.
What the band really deserves credit for, and which I did not expect with such clarity, are their statements regarding the far-right. The band may be Proll and Hooligan, but after listening to this album, I would not categorize them in the right corner.
Let’s come to the conclusion of “…with good reason.”
The very good musical approaches and the enthusiasm that the sound evokes are largely nullified by PROLLIGANS due to the partially poor lyrics. It’s a shame, because the five could be an aggressive answer to TOXPACK.
