FIGHTBALL from Berlin have released their debut album. The band is certainly known to some in Berlin, as some band members could regularly be found in the relevant clubs of the city. The combo has been making waves for several years now. In earlier times, singer Bertel was still on board. However, he left the band some time ago. This forced the band to reform and, in the process, redefine their style. Personally, I didn't find the old FIGHTBALL bad, as their music leaned nicely towards Oi and street punk.
However, FIGHTBALL has distanced themselves from this style and changed.
Now, guitar-driven punk rock is at the forefront. The band showcases their versatility on “The Hyperbole of a Dead Man.” At times, the songs remind one of bands like Born to Lose or Rat City Riot, and at other times, of college punk rock. In the song “Son of a Gun Pt. I,” they start with ballad-like stadium rock and continue with radio-friendly punk rock of the American school.
The songs are all very catchy yet consistently multi-layered, making repeated listening highly recommended. The melodies and song structures are refined and show that the guys have been making music for quite some time. The use of harmonica also emphasizes the band's stylistic diversity. This diversity is also evident in their live performances, providing variety. This sets them apart from many other bands.
The band's lyrics are all in English and generally address the well-known genre themes of punk rock, albeit with a unique charm and personal touch.
The whole thing is perfectly staged by a very good production. The recording and mixing come from none other than Flo from 5Bugs. A band that has achieved a level of recognition that extends beyond the borders of Germany through constant development and consistent performances. FIGHTBALL can benefit from this experience, as Flo knows what to do at the controls to ensure it sounds good.
It is difficult to evaluate the thirteen songs of the album individually, as they all fit into a cohesive picture. However, this does not mean that it is a concept album; rather, the band has managed to arrange the songs in such a way that listening to it feels almost like the longest punk rock song in the world.
What requires a bit of brainpower from the inclined listener is the cover drawn in a comic style featuring a man whose head is adorned with a light bulb. Essentially, a kind of helper of punk rock (helper is the little buddy of Daniel Düsentrieb, but that's surely well known, right?). A bit cryptic and unusual for a punk rock cover, but it certainly stands out.
In conclusion, one can only say that FIGHTBALL has done many things right on their debut and conveys an overall positive image with their own style and message.
Thus, one can only wish the band all the best. The likable guys deserve it.
