Oh no, how exciting! The package lies before me almost reverently and invites me to open it. Should I open it? Well, why not? First of all, I have been eagerly awaiting this shipment for a long time, and secondly, I want to enjoy the cover I already know in all its details once again.
What are we talking about? Come on, doesn't anyone read the title here? This is of course about the band "Kafkas", who are going to delight me with their album "Privilegienthron" and make an old dream come true. Since I heard the record years ago, I have always been keen to acquire this great work for myself. Unfortunately, the CD was no longer produced and thus was no longer available for purchase. Damn!
But I found myself in the fortunate position to be able to score big during a "warehouse clearance". After a few conversations with the band, a small spark of hope flickered: the vegetarian-vegan folks mentioned that they might still have a few copies lying around... so it was clear that I immediately declared myself a delighted buyer.
So much for the backstory, now to the record:
Anyone who values hard, fast, and extremely aggressive music at this point and expects the same from Kafkas can look elsewhere for another review with a disappointed look. Because the band is not necessarily known for this kind of music. The guitar sounds a bit harder in places, the bass a little deeper, and the drums very fast, but still, the voice ensures that the overall package is not too hard. One could categorize the music more in the melodic realm, which sounds very clean and good. So there isn't really anything to complain about, as long as one doesn't pursue a different taste. Especially the songs "Liebe hat kein Preisschild", "Dein Herz", or "Friss den Trend" make the musical sky shine. Everything just fits together. The melody floats in the background and creates the right atmosphere while the singer conveys the appropriate lyrics and messages...
...which brings us to the next topic: message and communication!
The lyrics often pull you in for a sing-along or invite you to think (over a beer!) time and again. Many songs impress with consistently good lyrical design that sounds fluid and lets thoughts flow. The content is also positively striking. One moves away from typical and clichéd slogans while presenting one's own and beautifully underpinning them. Particularly noteworthy are "Ihr Blut ist ein gutes Geschäft", "Feudalismus", or "Lass sie leben!". At this point, one might realize that the four gentlemen from Fulda have a special interest in topics like "Vegetarianism/Veganism" or "Animal Rights". There are also stories that deal with love ("Liebe hat kein Preisschild") or other personal experiences ("Poesiealbumgedichte"). Even social criticism ("Friss den Trend") finds a way to make itself heard.
So there is a lot of variety offered, with the focus, of course, on allowing animal rights activists to live out their fantasies. However, it is solved so flexibly that no one should feel neglected. So no fear of one-sidedness!
There’s even a little "dot on the i": For everyone who wants to advocate for animals and their rights, there are a few websites or addresses in the booklet. Additionally, there are a few funny and critical caricatures between the lyrics that lighten the reading experience a bit and further reinforce the band's actual message: The world and its inhabitants are not products or objects! Well, if that isn't commitment!
For someone like me, who also eats alternatively, this album represents an important cornerstone for the punk rock movement. Away from typical and stupid clichéd "Shitty state/work/cops" slogans or aggressive sounds, there is melodic and intelligent punk rock served that everyone should give a chance. So if you're looking for a tasty bite and want to hear something that is less hard-hitting but still promises high-quality fare, you can grab this without hesitation. If you're also a vegetarian or vegan, you can definitely relate to this band.
So, go for it! Guaranteed free of animal products!
