Five years ago, Die Toten Hosen gave us a collective high with their stadium hit "Tage wie diese" from "Ballast der Republik", and not just their hardcore fans - and it lasted longer than the summer. Since then, little has been heard of Campino (54, real name Andreas Frege) and co. But anyone who knows the Düsseldorf stage dervish knows that sitting around and dolce far niente is not his thing. On the contrary: on "Laune der Natur", Andi, Breiti, Kuddel, Vom and Campino have set themselves no limits and experimented more than ever before. It's good for the album - really good!
The album
Campino and his boys have been working on the new album for two years. Their last work ("Ballast of the Republic") is both a curse and a blessing for the band. When an album storms the record charts, you automatically expect further highs. Well, the Hosen are not greenhorns who hastily shoot out a CD under the pressure of success. On the contrary, they deliberately left themselves time and space for experimentation: "When we started the album, we didn't want to set ourselves any stylistic or lyrical guidelines. All ideas from all directions were poured in," Campino said in a recent interview. They served up an incredible 475 different recording versions to their producer. The spectrum ranges from the classic uptempo punk rock song "Energie" to a little reggae feeling ("Wannsee") and the political pop rock number "Unter den Wolken". "Kein Grund zur Traurigkeit" is the name of the last and 15th song on the album. It is a tribute to their deceased buddy Wölli. A bittersweet conclusion that fits the musical adventure journey.
Recommended tracks
"Alles mit nach Hause" - Campino goes all out, a classic Toten-Hosen song to rumble to and as an opener for the next party.
"Energie" - Nomen est Omen, for humming along in the shower, the perfect pick-me-up. It's like a cocktail of vitamins, energy drink and guarana juice.
"Kein Grund zur Traurigkeit" (No reason to be sad) - Musical memento of companion Wölli. Rough and tender at the same time. Eerily beautiful.
Verdict
The single "Unter den Wolken" was the band's highest chart entry ever. The pants even relegated cuddly bard Ed Sheeran to the lower ranks. Chapeau! "Laune der Natur" is wide-ranging, good stuff for in the shower in the morning or the next barbecue party. The 15 tracks make you want more. You want to hear the songs live. Full blast to the ears. It's a good thing that the Düsseldorfers are coming to Switzerland twice this festival summer.
DIE TOTEN HOSEN
18.8.2017, Open Air Gampel
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