The BAD NENNDORF BOYS were previously a band I didn't have much to do with. There was the band and there was me. Until now, those were two different orbits, but they finally intersect. It’s explosive, it’s rumbling, it takes time.
Two different characters that are slowly getting closer and need to get to know each other. This explains why the CD has been playing in my system for three days and I find it increasingly enjoyable after an initial furrowed brow.
What bothered me at first was the clean, smooth, and somewhat commercially sounding production. However, the production could not tame the joy of playing that the six-piece from the spa town brings. Luckily, the songs are simply captivating, whether you want them to be or not.
The band reminds me of Sondaschule, The Skatoons, a bit of the Berliners from Tiefenrausch, but also of pop-punk bands. It’s a pleasing sound, technically at a decent level. It’s generally true that for many, ska punk often sounds relatively similar. This makes the music barely audible for some people. That’s not entirely wrong, but does Metalcore really sound that much more varied? I don’t think so.
From this perspective, one should engage with the BAD NENNDORF BOYS. And especially not be startled by the first beats. It quickly gets better, and then there’s “Get Up - Dance,” a short track that gets you ready to dance. From then on, it’s absolutely danceable. The third song “Das ist Bad Nenndorf” is a wonderful little ska-punk hit. Catchy melody, slightly provocative lyrics, and boom, there’s probably the first anthem for Bad Nenndorf.
The song “Früher war alles lauter” makes me think of S.O. 36 in Berlin-Kreuzberg. How long did they have trouble with a stupid neighbor over noise? There was a nice banner hanging over the bar with the text “Make it louder.” Yes, that fits. Aside from my personal connection, the song also reflects a realization that one has at some point in their mid-30s. It was so great back then, and today it’s okay too, but somehow quieter.
What this is due to should be reflected on by everyone for themselves. But it’s true! Back then we had phones with rotary dials, today those things are called smartphones and they stay on even during meetings with friends.
At first, I had no style at all
Thanks to Wikipedia, I now know way too much
Get to know me, check out my profile
To be perfect there is my life goal
Lines from the lyrically very good song “Moderne Zeiten.” Here too, I see similarities to Sondaschule but also to The Skatoons. Perhaps the BAD NENNDORF BOYS are a bit more mature in their lyrics. This is especially noticeable in “Echter Mann,” which, in terms of vocal style, somewhat resembles Element of Crime, but with trumpet and catchy drumbeat, is quite far from the melancholic style of the Berliners.
Overall, “GET UP - DANCE!” is about fun.
The CD offers over 45 minutes of good entertainment, lasting a full school lesson.
“Get Up - Dance” is a lively, solid ska-punk record that will surely play in my system several more times.
