If I haven't miscounted, "Urlaub in der Bredouille" is the twelfth studio album by DRITTE WAHL. It's thirteen if I include "Und jetzt?" from 2001 (only a 10", so more of a mini-album). Thirteen is also a fateful number, just like seven or three.
I, who have known the band for so long and have not forgotten the time with Busch'n... have of course heard and seen a lot from the guys. I have witnessed their development, yes, their rise, which can be said without hesitation. The concerts they played on trucks are long gone, and even though there were two warm-up shows at Schokoladen and Supamolly in Berlin for the tour, the band is now at home on bigger and larger stages. Yes, they have not forgotten their roots, which is to be acknowledged, but they have also not stood still.
The last album, released in 2020, brought the band's biggest chart success to date. The record reached number 6. Is this still punk rock?
"3D," the last album, has somewhat confirmed the band's stylistic change. A style that has been hinted at since the introduction of keyboards and has manifested with Holger's entry. The band has broadened its musical scope but has also not always remained true to punk stylistically. Rock elements have been added, and the lyrics have become more personal and even more human. The age and life experience of the band certainly played a role. However, with the song "Ikarus," the band has shown that they still know what it's all about. Thus, everything from punk rock to Lindenberg influences is included on "3D."
And now?!
Three years and a global pandemic later, we are making "Urlaub in der Bredouille."
The cover is great; I tip my nonexistent hat to it. The cover is among the best I have seen in recent years. Here, already 10 out of 10 points.
What about the content? Like the album cover, nice to look at but on a second glance dangerous and explosive?
DRITTE WAHL starts with the disposal of billionaires. The idea, as good as it is, is also somewhat naive. Because that would mean if the rich and powerful were all gone, the world would be a different place. Is that realistic? Would the successors be different, better? Would (greed) and envy die out? It would be nice. With a stomping beat and a rather funny text, this song will definitely be celebrated well live.
The second song opens with a nice, fast punk rock riff. The first lines catch my attention. Is this about describing an animal factory or is it heading towards "Screams Behind Glass"? No, it's about simulations, virtual reality, what is life and what is real. Are we not even real? Have DRITTE WAHL discovered the films of the Matrix series? A very similar song was "Geblitzdingst" on the album of the same name from 2014. Here, the films of the "Men in Black" series served as inspiration.
Then comes "Urlaub in der Bredouille." Musically dressed in metal, the very simple text at first listen becomes deeper with each subsequent listen. A text that carries a lot of truth and invites essays. And yet, for me, it's a text that leaves out quite a bit, namely the point that tourism can protect nature, animals, and even people by having other people pay for it. I assume that DRITTE WAHL is rather addressing the perverse, decadent Western way of many people, which is absolutely necessary and important. Or is it about the fact that being and appearance are indeed two completely different things? As I said, big themes are addressed here cynically to sarcastically.
With vacation, it continues. We're going to Panama...
A text that is bursting with criticism of neoliberalism and is almost repulsively cynical. One of the best texts on the album.
A question here, will the merch from DRITTE WAHL thus consist of fair-trade organic cotton?
"No Time for White Flags" is then a typical sympathetic DRITTE WAHL song. These are the songs that make the band so loved. Beautiful melody, great vocals, and keep your heads up, folks.
After that, there is "Das regelt der Markt," a song that has already been released as a single. The rules of the market are not humane; everyone should be aware of that by now. So, join the unions, engage politically. Be role models.
Strike! For you! For everyone!
All wheels stand still when your strong arm wills it.
Then there is "Edwin Aldrin," which gives a bit of education. It's interesting that Neil Armstrong was the first person on the moon, but only to photograph Edwin Aldrin. The first photos of a person on the moon do not show Neil Armstrong but Edwin Aldrin. Beautiful song.
"Steine im Weg" gives strength and courage. Thematically, the band has dealt with this in the past with a rather sad text. It can also be different!
A song that gives courage and strength.
What the band has brought to "Der Spion," I would like to know. The soundtrack to a film in which Gunnar is the main character, with a three-day beard and sad eyes.
Was there actually a video before the song?
With "Statistik," there is then a final song before the album ends. Again, a typical song from the band, but what is this song trying to tell me? In 80 phrases around the world?
I would say a nine-song record, because "Das regelt der Markt" is not new. Quite little, if not to say surprisingly little for three years. It is pleasing that the band did not write the 1000 songs about the pandemic; however, I can't shake the feeling that nine songs do not exactly reflect a burst of creativity.
Is that the reason or Gunnar's musical restlessness?
All in all, there are no bad songs on the album. Personally, I wouldn't mind a bit more punk rock, but anyone who has seen the band live knows that it has been quite intense so far. And the limited and now sold-out version of the album includes not only the actual album but also a concert recording from Leipzig. In this regard, the band is very generous.
Live, DRITTE WAHL is beyond any doubt. You can convince yourself of that at the short tour starting in a few days.
