With certain themes on punk rock records, I feel like I do with women whose BMI is well over 35: I don't really like the "surroundings". Especially themes like "resistance" or "the state isn't so good" have been known in the punk rock scene for decades. Anyone who has also read my reviews will surely be tired of having to read again and again that there are "good and bad songs on worn-out topics".
That's why I'm dedicating myself to an album that addresses exactly this "resistance" theme... and it really doesn't hold back!
The band ZSK from Berlin is quite a controversial topic in certain punk circles. For some, it's "important and committed punk rock", while for others it's a "kindergarten band trying to act rebellious". Who knows which side is right for what reason; personally, I find the discussion between the two fronts ridiculous anyway. But to be fair: Just like serial killers, politicians, or housewives without husbands (but with four kids), such people need a hobby. As long as they don't annoy me with it, everything is fine. But now to the CD:
The review could be somewhat predictable, which is clearly the fault of the album "From Protest To Resistance"! The biggest criticism of the band and this album is their incredible fixation on the theme of "resistance" or "protest".
Anyone who doesn't believe me can just take a quick look at the list where I've found references to this theme: The front cover shows the three masked band members (actually, aren't there four?), as they can't help but raise their arms in the air or show stars that are presumably meant to represent "revolution". The album title also stands out prominently, letting people know: Hey, we're not going along with this! As soon as you open the cover, the next black-red star with wings smiles back at you. Additionally, there's the very nice information that this album also contains a CD (which also features a raised fist) that deals with the topics of "racism", "asylum", or "human rights". Since I don't have the necessary programs for that, I couldn't allow myself a complete insight. However, there is certainly more interesting information, and it's definitely worth a look or two. I continue to open the packaging and see a CD featuring three raised fists, which is further emphasized by a guy on the right side of the opened packaging, as he also knows how to use his right hand (not in a sexual sense). If you remove the CD, you can also see the album title again in the background, raised fists, or the masked band members...
You can already tell where I'm going with this. And that's why I'll spare myself the sarcastic remark about where I can find the "From Protest To Resistance" bed linen with incredibly funny "From Protest To Resistance" coffee and tea mugs, which also contain the machine-washable "From Protest To Resistance" plastic cutlery. That would probably be a bit too much of a good thing...
Apart from that, the booklet is full of texts, explanations from the band, pictures, or information that brings you closer to one or another scandalous event. The fact that countless symbols are also floating around should be self-evident.
The music is similarly varied. I really checked: Aside from the songs "Dabei sein ist alles" and "Time To Lose" (where you also have a bit of room for interpretation), you can really extend EVERY SONG to the areas of "resistance", "protest", or "get outraged!" The only difference is the fact that the band either invited guests (for example, in "We Are The Kids", people from "Donots" or "Waterdown" are involved) or they make good use of their very successful instrumental skills. Although almost every track conveys the damn same message, it is still fun to listen and sometimes sing along. The range goes from optimistic-fighting songs ("Keine Angst" and "Zähl die Stunden") to a somewhat more aggressive tone ("Kein Mensch ist illegal"). Between these two styles, there are pieces that vary a bit and thus represent a colorful group. But the album has fewer real "power moments" to show. You can tell that the guys are in their element, but somehow the typical "anger" doesn't come across; neither instrumentally nor vocally.
One must give credit to the Berliners: I respect their commitment and dedication to this topic. Not many bands fill their booklets with information and also sprinkle the album with a free CD, where you are encouraged to definitely spread it further. There is really effort and passion involved!
However, this passion is also the death blow that has earned this record only 6 points. After all, there are good and bad songs..., uh, okay, I'll just skip this cliché this time. Everyone already knows what I have to say! From start to finish, the CD bombards the listener (as long as they haven't downloaded the album somewhere on the internet!) with symbols and the same message. For this reason, only a small fraction of the songs really stick, while the sad majority tends to be forgotten. The four songs "Keine Angst", "We Are The Kids", "Zähl die Stunden", or "Kein Mensch ist illegal" are truly ones that have recognition value and still entertain me sufficiently. For the rest, I just think: "It's getting REALLY old!".
As a result, the silver disc unfortunately runs out of steam very early and shoots its powder on every conceivable front. At some point, you just get "full" and need a bit of variety. Songs of this kind can be found on almost every ZSK album, making it very difficult for me to stick with the band long-term. However, if you want a bit more variety (both lyrically and musically/stylistically), you might want to listen to the album "Discontent Hearts And Gasoline". Here, the band has set much better accents and seems less "tense", as is the case with "From Protest To Resistance".
Conclusion: Nice album for "in between", but not entertaining in the long run. Still, great effort that one can definitely orient oneself to!
So, if I hear "resistance" or "From Protest […]" (it's really too silly for me to keep writing that out!!) one more time today, I'll make sure that people have something to "protest" or "resist" about! Then it's party time here with colorful and fun!
