OPTION WEG consists of Moni, Steffn, Anja, and Yok (perhaps known to some as Quetschenpaua, YOK, or as a member of the band Tod und Mordschlag). The band has been around since 2006 and is releasing their third recording with “Los jetzt!“.
OPTION WEG plays politically engaged… well, let’s call it punk rock. Small art punk, minimalist punk, political punk, squat songs, or whatever term comes to mind that connects political lyrics, political engagement, and music from punk rock to singer-songwriter.
The instruments played include bass, violin, guitar, drums, and accordion.
Most of the singing is in German, and they do what brings them joy.
Even though I might be doing the band an injustice, I compare their music to that of YOK or Quetschenpaua. This is where the band also connects. The lyrics range from avant-garde, experimental (e.g., “Parkbank”) to punky, rebellious (e.g., “Schrauben”).
The diverse styles that the band incorporates across the 16 songs make it difficult to categorize the record. However, this difficulty also adds to the charm of the album, as that is freedom, punk, and life — doing what you want. This seemingly simple statement is hard to live by, as one must make compromises at every turn. Sometimes, you might even be driven out of your apartment because what society (or simply repressive state power) calls for doesn’t allow you to stay in your home, as it is supposedly too large. This and much more is addressed in “Trotzdem.” In “Verschieden,” Yok provokes with stark contrasts and shows how different people are and how unjust the world can be.
OPTION WEG doesn’t make it easy for the listener, as one wants to focus on both the music and the lyrics, yes, must. The songs aim to move, provoke thought, and perhaps make the world a little bit better.
OPTION WEG is for all those who believe in alternative culture, who believe in a better world. It is not a utopian album, but also not a depressive one. It is not a perseverance album; it is an album that stands for what it is.
In line with this, the song “Old but Punk” is currently coming from the speakers. A song that gives strength and talks about the punks of the older generation, showing that getting old doesn’t mean becoming normal.
…old but punk, tired but rebel
handicapped but still alive
slow but still moving
It’s about keeping the heart in it. That’s important to avoid becoming bitter. There are plenty of reasons for that.
One reason to stay different is provided by “…los jetzt,” which can certainly be understood as a call to action. Haven’t we sacrificed far too much in recent years in terms of free spaces and freedoms?
And anyone who now says “I’m tired” is actually tired of the disco gang idiots, Nazis, the regulatory office, fear, and normality. Here, I recommend listening to the song “Müde.” Let’s pour oil on the fire! Passionate, wild, and vehement…
