Yeah, that is really a good picture. Katzenstreik don’t do records. Normal bands do records. Katzenstreik try to put their lifes on discs, they share a moment in their lifes with the listeners. They strip naked in front of you without compromise. To stand naked in front of strangers is not cool. Katzenstreik is not cool. Katzenstreik is everything but cool. “Katzenstreik gehen menschen auf die nerven. Allein die präsenz regt so viele leute auf.“ Sören of the now-denial really points it out with what he writes in the really interesting autograph book that comes with the record. And that’s what is so great about this band. They are so real. They really don’t give a fuck what other people think. You are annoyed by what they do? So what? Who are you anyway? You remember these words from the mid 90’s? “Es gibt nur cool und uncool und wie man sich fühlt!” So, katzenstreik is about the third one...

Now, let’s talk about the music.

If you know the older records you know what to expect. Intense, melodical, emotional punkrock/hardcore with mainly german lyrics with some english phrases mixed in. The songs are once again great and exciting. The production is extremely rough. You feel that it’s recorded live. The lyrics are as usual katzenstreiks problem. But not because they are bad, but I think because we are too spoiled by those fantastic german lyrics of the last few years by bands like turbostaat or oma hans. Katzenstreik lyrics just don't fit into the standard "german-emopunk" scheme. Well, I actually never had a problem with their lyrics, but many people told me they don’t like them. But I think you have to judge for yourself. Let’s say the lyrics are unique and represent a unique band. And they again have many hooks that will catch you if you want it or not.

Now to start with what really annoys me:

The first 13 songs are just great, even though I’m a little pissed that there are only lyrics for the first 9 in the booklet. But then….? If you haven’t listened to the record yet I simply recommend to turn it out at that point. Really. That is no joke!! The last 5 songs are just stupid. There is one crappy electro remix of the old katzenstreik song “hassmaske”, one terrible TERRIBLE rap song (reminds me of “der wolf”, you remember?) and some senseless tunes that sound as if they simply had too much time in studio. Normal bands would be ashamed of themselves and throw this away. Katzenstreik puts it on the record.

But it’s ok. It’s Katzenstreik.
This band is like a really good friend.
Sometimes you feel a little ashamed of what he does, but in fact you love it all. [marius]

www.katzenstreik.org