PIRATENPAPST are back.
The band from Strausberg near Berlin has received considerable attention following the release of their last album "Gegen den Sturm." Now they are following up with this EP.
PIRATENPAPST play powerful, rocking German punk that sometimes leans towards bands like Toxpack. One appreciates the harder sound that moves at mid-tempo.
The EP kicks off with the new song "Medien." The beginning makes one think of Daily Terror, and when the vocals start, the thought of Daily Terror becomes even stronger. Pedder from Daily Terror sang in a similar way. Not a bad reference, especially since it doesn't seem like there was a conscious attempt to imitate Pedder. It just happened. The lyrics provide a critical examination of the media and how they handle freedom of expression and dissenting opinions. The media itself is not inherently bad; however, it is not objective or neutral when it is influenced by money or politics. This is increasingly happening in our country as well.
The second song presented is "Goldene Reiter." With a lowered guitar, slightly growly vocals, and guests from Nordwand (Berlin) and BTM (from Strausberg). It sounds solid, and after all, one knows the song.
The third song is "So ist dein Leben," a track that already found a home on the album "Gegen den Sturm." It is more of a (German) rock song than a punk song, attempting to express the feeling of personal self-reflection while also serving as a kick in the ass. The band wants to wake people up with this song. The motto is, don't talk, just do. A good essence, as far too many people just talk and do little. A song that is also good, though at times it might come off as a bit too brash for some.
The last song is presented acoustically with Einhorn (singer of Atemnot). The song is a cover of Atemnot. While the original by Atemnot is already very good, the acoustic version comes across even better, as the intensity and sadness are conveyed more effectively. The song is about a friend who was stabbed by Nazis because he was punk. An acoustic version that carries a lot of power and shows that PIRATENPAPST can do more than just their version of street punk à la Toxpack.
The four songs are available for free download on the band's homepage (www.piratenpapst.com/?download=Plankenpogo%20Vol.%202%20PP) or as a CD. Very fair, in my opinion, and this EP also allows one to get to know the band without obligation.
The four songs show that the band has developed further, and not necessarily for the worse.
