THREE METERS FIELD PATH, if there is a category for the most meaningful band names in punk, then the band from the Lüneburg Heath is definitely at the top.
At the latest since Feine Sahne Fischfilet, we know that band names are like sound and smoke, if the message is right and the band can excite enough people.
The band is releasing their fourth album titled “Durak.” What is Durak, one might wonder?
A new code word?
A new clothing trend?
No, Durak is a Russian card game where there is classically no winner. Sounds strange, but that's how it is, at least according to the promo text that accompanies the album or Wikipedia.
What does “Durak” have to do with the album, the band, and the songs?
Are there no winners in life? Are we all losers? Or are we all equal?
Questions that can make one think for a long time.
But we can also just listen to what the band has to say.
The album opens with its 14 songs with the track “Mit Pauken und Trompeten.” The intro sounds orchestral and could also be used in a video game. The intro transitions into a distorted voice and then finally leads into a proper pop-punk rock piece. Once again, it's a song about celebrating oneself. When will this madness ever stop? Does every band have to do this to find themselves in good company? After all, there is a bit of self-irony in the lyrics (...we voted that we are simply the best...) and overall, listening is quite enjoyable.
The subsequent lyrics have more substance, even if song number 2 could have a bit more depth. Here, a few too many clichés are thrown around, but just because they are clichés doesn’t mean they are wrong, and the quote from Die Toten Hosen used in the song fits perfectly. The sound is a solid pogo number.
Then comes “Eine Lovestory,” for which a somewhat disturbing video has already been released. Lyrically, it falls somewhere between Die Ärzte, Broilers, and Rogers, telling the story of a couple where the woman is the racist one. An interesting approach, generally strong lyrically, although musically it feels a bit off for me. The chorus begins as follows:
...and on Saturday they go hunting for people...
The long chorus is really strong lyrically, as mentioned, but when at the end of the song the chorus is played in such a way that one is almost forced to clap along, it feels quite tasteless. Perhaps this is meant to represent the cynicism of society, but for me, it feels distasteful when I imagine the audience clapping and singing along with full voices...
...and on Saturday they go hunting for people, in Hoyerswerda and in Lichtenhagen.
They drive together everywhere and hunt them all, father, mother, and child.
On Sunday they sit quietly at home, reports about yesterday's party are running.
Maybe I'm just too sensitive.
Aside from this, for me, ambivalent piece, the album offers a lot of good lyrics in a solid punk rock outfit. Great for pogoing, singing along, and having fun.
The band has placed a strong focus on catchy melodies. Sitting still and not singing along or moving is hardly possible while listening to the album.
Of course, there are love songs as well. With “Und sie tanzt,” the band has created a truly wonderful, little work. The lyrics tell of two people finding each other at a concert and dancing together, falling in love while the band plays. Who among us hasn’t experienced that? Dancing together in the pogo mob, drinking, hugging, and forgetting time and space.
“Briefe an dich” is the following song, which is even sadder than “Und sie tanzt.”
It is a longing song, presented acoustically and full of heartache.
Another highlight is “Ich mach ne kleine Party.” Great trumpets, driving ska-punk, and lyrics that we have spoken ourselves... exactly like that... so many times. Wonderful! It reminds me of many small and large parties.
“Durak” with its 14 songs is an album that offers multifaceted, melodic pop-punk rock. The album has everything it needs to be consistently enjoyable.
The work was produced by Flo Nowak, who used to play in the Berlin band 5Bugs. Those were the days...
For many years, Flo has made a name for himself with his studio “Dailyhero Recordings,” and many well-known bands have recorded with him (including Jennifer Rostock, Berliner Weisse, Toxpack). Flo knows how it’s done and proves it once again with this album.
3 METER FELDWEG will surely take another big step with “Durak,” bringing them to larger clubs and bigger festivals.
A great gateway drug for the substance called punk rock.
