Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
Live is where the magic happens, where the sound is rude and beautifully insolent, almost anarchic, not wanting to settle for the polished obedience; like a rebellious teenager showing well-earned righteous contempt to an authority that has lost its credibility and meaning, being rude and raw in a live situation is to be admired and applauded.
It is an approach that sees Hamburg-based Ska-Punk band Rantanplan lift the mood of rebellion with vigour, of organised construction and purpose in detailing their new album as one of creative disorder and style.
In the urge to stay Rude, to be vibrant, Stay Rudel-Stay Rebel explodes with sincerity and a truth of the age firmly attached to it, one that may be disputed but one that is arguably a reflection of how music is reliant on the certain prerequisite of its audience, that of language.
Too many people are put off listening to new artists or experiencing a fresh approach to a genre they openly declare their love and intentions for because they are either afraid of the language used or because they simply won’t dip their toe into learning another person’s argument because they don’t get the gist of the phrases used. It is a sad indictment of the world, but arguably more in the English-speaking nations, that this happens, perhaps understandable, but still inexplicable, especially if it means the enjoyment that comes with albums such as Stay Rudel-Stay Rebel remains unheard, stays silent.
In songs such as Foodporn, Kain Richtung Heimat, Nachtzug Nach Paris, Rudegirl From Outta Space and Kill Den Spiegel, the tenth studio sparks to life, the music being the ultimate conductor, the speech therapist in which allows language to flow openly and with honour. For Torben Moller-Meissner, Fabian Vehreschild, Marlon Fertinger, Wido Sauer and Gero Graas the serious and the humour felt are the substance into which this wonderful Ska-Punk deliver the goods, in which they remain outstanding rude; a group of rebels with a cause.
Rantanplan release Stay Rudel -Stay Rebel via Drakkar Entertainment on 25th January.
Ian D. Hall