Who or whatever GENE GALAXO is, the first search term on the worldwide web led me to a video of Udo Lindenberg, who had sung a song with the same name in his younger years.
GENE GALAXO definitely sounds like a catchy name that can mean everything and nothing and even more. Additionally, the title “Satan und Ischariot” refers to a story by Karl May with the same name.
So what could be hidden behind all this?
Something wild?
Something obscure?
The seven songs on this CD are not only history because they have been recorded and thus preserved, at least as long as CDs run and digital music files are still usable, but also because the band has since gained reinforcement in the form of a woman playing an E-organ. This 7-song CD (is this actually already an album or still a deluxe EP?) was recorded without her.
The seven pieces offer an interesting mix of blues and punk. Too rough for blues, too soft for punk, and all of it with German lyrics. This not only sounds interesting, but it is also interesting!
Stylistically, it's hard to compare. Element of Crime comes to mind, especially the albums “Psycho” and “An einem Sonntag im April.” But also the blues stuff that emerged in the last 5-10 years before the fall of the Berlin Wall or until the Wall in East Germany. These are similarly rough as the Berliners from GENE GALAXO.
Lyrically, the seven songs are very direct. They sound wistful, sad, realistic, and resigned but also critical, combative, and angry. An interesting mix.
In general, the word fits GENE GALAXO really well; interesting.
This band sits between the chairs and feels very comfortable there.
The songs practically demand to be heard. GENE GALAXO has done this very well and shows their class.
With “Satan und Ischariot,” GENE GALAXO has created a small milestone before changes come again. I’m curious to see how this band will continue.
The band will certainly play a few concerts in 2022 as well. In Berlin, the combo can be seen at Schokoladen on 12.08.2022.
