Pay attention, or you might miss something!
Sure, there are better introductions and wordplays, but I wanted to give it a shot to humorously and gracefully incorporate the album title here… which has proven to be a poor decision as always. But never mind, I will just discreetly get to the point and leave you in your confused trauma:
After a good 25 years of band existence and around thirteen released albums, the three musicians from Rostock continue to raise the bar. With "Pay Attention!" the fourteenth child is now born, which the Wahle have put together in a sweat-inducing effort in the rehearsal room and made accessible to the now quite respectable fan base. Rejoice!
The album presents itself in the typical style of "Dritte Wahl". Intelligent lyrics, hard sounds, loyalty to oneself, and a willingness to experiment. The balance has once again hit the mark and fully explores all aspects. However, it should be clear that one should not expect an album that constantly makes "noise" and "bang", like for example "Nimm Drei". Otherwise, the willingness to experiment would be seriously compromised. But there is definitely variety in store.
I don’t know why, but somehow the album always reminds me of "Strahlen" at the beginning. A very solid introduction leads into the album, which is accompanied by a ska song in the following track. Is this a conspiracy? Or just more coincidence? A good question! But irrelevant.
The album begins with the title track "Pay Attention!" and makes one glance back at the cover. On it, Gunnar, Stefan, and Krel are seen in an elevator (?) being observed by a camera. The song also deals with "caution", "surveillance", and today’s information and consumer society. The song has the right tempo and captures the Rostock style very well. The record immediately invites and captivates old fans again.
The world of "Pay Attention!" has a great strength that "Dritte Wahl" has discovered for itself and knows how to play wisely: diversity. On the 15-track strong silver disc, each song has its own recognizability and feels very confident. You can tell that love has truly gone into the details. I also notice at this point that I find it really difficult to categorize the songs. In this context, the diversity trips me up.
Where songs like "Keine Angst" deal with individualism and inner strength to achieve anything, "Aufhör’n kann ich gut" describes one’s own powerlessness regarding things one intends to do but still fails to accomplish. Stylistically, both songs are, however, harder and provide the necessary kick in the rear. Or for bees in the butt. Or both…
"Everything Will Be Alright" is a – at least from a musical standpoint – typical "Dritte Wahl song". Uncompromising, fast, lyrically convincing, and certainly very suitable for pogo and various wounds. Despite everything, the chorus has a bit of something positive and uplifting: "Everything will be alright". The same applies to the song "Where is my prize?", where a "I-have-called-x-times-and-am-still-waiting" mentality is created. Nevertheless, it’s a great piece to pogo away all worries and thoughts.
"Flying" and "Gone by Tomorrow" actually have a commonality: breakout, escape, and the end of miserable everyday existence. However, the difference lies in the musical execution: While "Flying" seems a bit more like a desperate theory, "Gone by Tomorrow" feels like a firm and optimistic decision. So, anyone who takes a clear position and emotional stance on this topic will quickly find their favorite.
"That Looks Good" is a wonderfully ironic song about the "climate summit", which went so smoothly (because nothing came of it). Here, a bit of humor is unpacked, making it really "fun" to listen to. So, anyone who thinks that age makes one bitter and senile... is probably right. But humor is not necessarily negatively affected.
With "I’m for it", the Rostockers have really created a great song that breaks an old cliché of the punk movement ("I’m against it"), yet conveys the same message. With truly convincing lyrical passages, the text knows how to unite the thoughts and feelings of many people and gives the album an even stronger political touch. Clean!
With "It’s Me" or "Singles (Young Woman Wanted for Traveling)" the theme of love or relationships is taken up. One is a really beautiful ballad, while the other is a bit more positive. Where one song is about a dragging phone call and musically uses the piano more, the other seems more adventurous.
"Everything for the Wind" has been a real experiment. In addition to the usual instruments, bagpipes are also played, which fit well into the song. Why do I have to think of Scotland at this point? Well, that might be due to the instrument. However, what is unfortunately annoying about this song is the ending. It feels quite stretched due to the ever-increasing speed and annoys more at the end than it actually provides a real climax. But that was only at the beginning; by now, it has become a fixed part of the song for me, as I can no longer imagine a different ending. And at a concert, it could definitely lead to ever faster dances.
The last song of the album is called "Thank You" and is an anthem. Damn, and what an anthem! A strange little device emits electronic sounds, and the Wahle then start to rock. This song is dedicated to all the fans who create such a wonderful atmosphere at the concerts and stand faithfully by their band. Anyone who internalizes this song will feel the actual atmosphere rising within them and will be truly touched inside. Live, it’s an absolute killer piece and one of my personal highlights. This track is, along with "Flying", my absolute favorite on this album and forms the atmospheric epicenter with it.
If you are patient, you can look forward to two hidden tracks. Well, actually it’s just one. The first is just a little pause of 8 minutes. The second, however, is "I’m for it", with the difference that it’s a hard and rocky version. However, I must say that I prefer the original version, as it truly possesses the character of a song that could be wonderfully played at demonstrations. But still, the rocky version is not to be underestimated…
There you see it once again: They have done it! I always get nervous with my favorite bands that they won’t live up to their old standards, but the doubt is completely unfounded here. Anyone who can really relate to the band can truly grab this without major concerns.
The album is definitely not my third choice! That only applies to my involuntarily sad puns.
That’s why I give it 9 points!
