Überflüssig – Love, Peace & Pleasure EP

Artist: Überflüssig

Title: Love, Peace & Pleasure

Release: EP / Digital

Year: 2023

Label: Röhlinghausen Records

Formed in 1996 in Herne, Germany, Überflüssig is a punk band that currently consists of only two members: Joscha Schmottlach on guitar and vocals, and Nik-Grau on drums. Their EP, Love, Peace, & Pleasure, might resonate with the history of their hometown, which suffered extensive bombardment during World War II due to its crucial coal and steel industries. These industries were integral to the Nazi military industrial complex, making Herne a target for Allied forces aiming to undermine Germany’s war effort. The EP’s title and artwork, while not directly referencing this history, allude to a possible reflection on the contrast between the city’s past and the ideals of love, peace, and pleasure.

Love, Peace, & Pleasure is also one of the weirdest records I’ve had to review in the last few months, but I don’t think there’s a better time to post it on the site than Valentine’s Day. The seven-inch features five tracks that are really different from each other. The first track, “On the way (Seeking of tranquility),” is my favorite on the record, blending minimalist pop-punk melodies with some jangly Joy Division and New Order vibes. The second track, “Boring Room,” doubles down on the power-pop influences and packs a punch in its two minutes of catchiness. Things start to get weird with the third track “Fight Fight Fight”, which is basically a hard rock song with lyrics that could be a B-side to some Oi! band’s single.

The flipside of the record begins with the 50-second long “Hallelujah (You bought them),” which sounds like a weird mix of bands like Die Toten Hosen, The Vandals, and NOFX, with a kazoo thrown in for good measure. You can easily skip the last track “Go for a walk (The Ballad of Maya Hawke)”, which is an almost seven minute long, mostly acoustic ballad about punk rock. For some reason it’s dedicated to the young actress Maya Hawke, daughter of Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke.

The colored vinyl looks cool, but the sleeve is only printed on one side and doesn’t include lyrics. Overall, I have mixed feelings about this record. Some tracks are fun, but do we really need all this? In a way, their approach reminds me of German bands like Pisse, who make fun of everything and all their records sound really different, but Überflüssig are nowhere near as original and great. Anyway, love, peace and pleasure for everyone!

Source: diyconspiracy.net