This article was automatically translated by AI.
Only Goethe remains from the original lineup. New members include Max on drums and Paul (former MET) on bass and vocals.
With the new lineup, they are once again embarking on concert tours. Goethe is feeling better after a long, serious illness. He is doing well enough to play small tours again.
The band, especially Goethe, has been through a lot in the last three years.
With the two newcomers, the band's style has changed a bit. They have moved away from punk rock and have instead dedicated themselves more to rock. Where more punk was played before, now more rock is being played. At least that’s how the new release “Neue Zaiten” (without the circled A, as they don’t fulfill every punk cliché) sounds.
The production is clean and powerful. The arrangements of the songs have become more elaborate. However, the style of ZAUNPFAHL is still recognizable, and by the third listen, you can at least sing along to the choruses of the songs. Paul’s voice, which is very similar to Goethe's, is prominently featured in good punk rock fashion. And for those who think that Paul has a great voice but might find it boring to only hear his singing (for whatever incomprehensible reasons one might think this), they will hear a variety of voices sharing the microphone in “Die Guten.” Among them are scene greats like Eugen (Die Skeptiker), Schulle (Toxpack), and Gunnar (Dritte Wahl). The song is thus one of the highlights of the album.
The other eleven songs are largely very personal. They mainly deal with solidarity, growing old together, friendship, and also about being left behind. The big feelings of every person. I think Goethe has experienced a lot of this himself or witnessed it in recent years, because such relatable lyrics can only be created if one has experienced or witnessed such things themselves.
Thus, it is also a serious album. An album that is lyrically very mature, without sounding too grown-up or even half-dead.
Live, the band presents their new songs on a tour in March and April.
The new songs are very moving and captivating live. I had the opportunity to hear some of the compositions already in December in Potsdam and was thrilled. Both by the new songs and by the band. They sound different, but very fresh, powerful, and they are having fun.
“Neue Zaiten” refers to the future of the band.
New strings, new people, new life!
I raise my glass and drink to you...
