Nico Jansen, who has only been with MASSENDEFEKT since 2018, is already feeling bored, has too much time, or so much creative output that he has embarked on the path of a solo EP.
Nico himself describes the solo EP as a pastime, a creative output, and something that he enjoyed, which will hopefully also be enjoyable for us, the listeners.
The EP kicks off with “Kein Punkrock auf Hawaii“. A nice text that rhymes, inviting everyone to sing along, even if the chorus isn't exactly dripping with profound lyrics, it definitely qualifies as a great summer song or party song for the dark season. The mood lifts and the grin factor increases significantly. The video perfectly represents what Nico said: “I do this for fun and because I had the time“. I initially thought it was filmed in Mallorca, but it was actually shot in Formentera. What people do when they have vacation and time.
Next up is the title track of the EP, “Soundtrack für Nichts“. This is not a party continuation. It features a very intelligent text, balancing suburban rebellion and longing. A mid-tempo song with radio potential. Here, you definitely want to sing along, you feel comfortable... but it’s quite smooth, and what remains after listening?
“Gegen Nazis demonstrieren schaff ich leider nicht“ fits perfectly with the melody of the first song. Lyrically, it hits the mark. Who hasn’t felt that they had something better to do? The song also provides the excuses right away. A short, punchy, good number. However, everyone must manage to demonstrate against Nazis; otherwise, we will be too few, and we are currently seeing in Sweden how that will develop.
Then comes the hit of the EP. “Rotwein-Katzen-Futtermädchen“. A song that could also be by Die Ärzte. A melody to kneel for, a text straight from life. A so sympathetic teen punk number that I spontaneously fell in love with the girl at checkout three (the girl at checkout four is already in love with Farin Urlaub). If dating is really that easy, I will start going to Lidl every day.
With “Toskana“, we then have the weakest song for me. Although the text is well-rhymed, I’m not quite sure what the song is aiming for. Escape to Tuscany? Then longing for home there? Be that as it may, there also need to be songs, especially live, that are suitable for quickly visiting the facilities or getting fresh supplies of drinks.
The last song “Ich frag für´n Freund“ turns off the electricity and leaves plenty of space for Nico's voice. The text is accompanied by light guitar strumming. Lyrically, this is by far the strongest song on the EP. It reminds me a bit of Herr Binner (who has since stopped his solo activities) or Wizo (especially lyrically). Unfortunately, such statements are still important and correct. As long as it’s necessary, dear Nico, sing this piece every night you are on stage!
Six songs, four of which are really good, makes for a good rating, and I will likely pay more attention to MASSENDEFEKT again. From my side, Nico can bring many more such releases. The EP is available in addition to the digital version only on vinyl, which is, of course, available in the MASSENDEFEKT shop.
On 16.09.2022, there will be a release concert in Düsseldorf at The Tube. Admission is €22.
