So, my friends. On August 19th, the long-awaited Akkustik Voodoo Box was finally in my hands. Folks, I can tell you, the name is absolutely fitting. Daniel reveals many of his darkest life chapters here and immerses the listener in those very situations. In short: bleak, dark, and at times truly devastating. For die-hard Wirtz fans, this will be somewhat of a shock, as the style of the songs has changed significantly. The songs, the lyrics, and the sound no longer sound as optimistic as on “Elf Zeugen” and “Erdling.” Overall, however, it’s a killer LP, but for the average listener, it will mostly be difficult to grasp what it’s all about. This is not an album for everyone! But for anyone who understands what is being sung about here, it’s simply a must!
The cover artwork is visually striking once again. As with the two previous albums, attention was paid to details. This time, there’s also an elaborately designed booklet included. For each lyric, there’s probably the most fitting image. Here and there, one might quickly find themselves reflected. Alright, then take a deep breath and put the CD in the player.
Akkustik Voodoo – The opener. Musically in the familiar Wirtz manner. A very strong piece that literally explodes at the beginning and was simultaneously released with a music video. It’s definitely worth listening to and watching. Lyrically, Daniel summarizes his latest work here, presenting the listener with his truth:
“I cannot prevent the pain from penetrating the flesh, but I can make my scars resonate.”
Der lange Weg – One of the highlights on Akkustik Voodoo. The sound is very rich. However, the main focus here is on the lyrics. It clearly addresses the development from a traumatized child to a young adult who keeps finding himself rummaging through the old wounds of his childhood. Perhaps a nod to parents who are firmly convinced they have always done the right thing with their children.
Banalität der Dinge – Now it gets extremely groovy. The sound has a slightly hypnotic touch. Lyrically, Daniel emphasizes the daily madness one experiences at a very high poetic level. Not everyone may grasp this, but I personally find that better. A brilliant song!
Der Sog – My personal highlight of the album. The darkest track I have ever heard from a German band. The rhythm feels like ritual drumming, and the guitars seem to absorb the atmosphere with their sounds. It actually creates a kind of inner pull that sweeps you away, whether you want it or not. The lyrics deal with times when one indulged in the excessive consumption of intoxicants and still has to bear the consequences in the present life. Hearing something like this truly feels like a magical ritual.
Gebrannte Kinder – It remains dark. After the highlight, it continues mercilessly. A theme that, as the title suggests, addresses those people who had traumatic experiences in their childhood that still recur today. Daniel Wirtz has managed with this song, like no other, to speak for these individuals.
Strom der Zeit – Now it gets a bit quieter. A very catchy melody that somewhat reminds of the previous albums. The lyrics deal, in a way, with the self. Ultimately, one does find oneself alone at some point and goes their own way, realizing that everyone else does too. Thus, everyone is alone in the current of time.
Hol mich Heim – An ode to life and death. Also to love and its transience, the feeling of missing someone, perhaps never meeting again; the sound remains optimistic here. Just as one is used to from Daniel and the guys.
Hier – one of the two ballads on the album. Very calm tones, very beautiful lyrics. I strongly assume that Daniel is speaking about his mother here. I, for one, think of mine.
Du verschwendest meine Zeit – Now it’s starting to get wild! In the best LMAA manner, the guys present another “I don’t care about you” song that is wonderfully catchy and spreads a lot of good vibes. Some people like to associate individuals in their lives with such songs; it can truly be like a balm for the soul.
Goldenes Kind – Here, Daniel describes himself and pokes a little fun at himself. With lyrics like
“... the hand in play was none other than the devil.”
Most will immediately respond with a broad grin. I definitely count myself among those. I particularly like the last stanza, which I could absolutely underline for my life. Musically, it returns to the tried-and-true optimistic guitar sound, and a lively drumming rounds it all off wonderfully. Great song!
Kamikaze – The last energetic track on the Voodoo. It deals with Daniel's struggles to conform to everyday life and the resulting desire to completely cut away the cozy safety net of life and go full throttle into kamikaze mode. I can mostly agree with that! And I think most of you can too!
Weiße Stellen – The last song is once again a ballad. A beautiful, calm outro. The lyrics address the quiet hours one spends with oneself. No matter where one finds themselves.
So that’s it. Akkustik Voodoo is over, but not for me and for the Wirtz fans who are still around or perhaps even newcomers! Akkustik Voodoo is a dark album that represents far more than just the shadow of the soul that haunts us all daily. 12 songs, 12 feelings. A monumental piece of German rock history!
Grade: 1
So, my friends, I will definitely listen to this album a million more times and find it better and better. Rating this is actually impossible; have historical events (even if it’s “only” musical) received a rating?
Anyway, Akkustik Voodoo people! GO BUY IT!!!!!
