On April 20, 2012, my path led me back to Berlin-Kreuzberg after a long time, to the Tommy-Weisbecker-Haus. This Friday evening featured a concert with JOHNNIE ROOK, ALARMSIGNAL, and RASTA KNAST.
I arrived early enough in the courtyard of the house to greet some friends and exchange a few words before heading into the concert room, the “Schicksaal,” around 10:00 PM to see the Berliners from JOHNNIE ROOK open the show. The band was originally supposed to play second, but Überdosis Nichts, who were also scheduled to perform that evening, canceled at the last minute.
It is often difficult for the first band at the Tommy-Haus to lure people from the cozy courtyard inside. However, that was not the case today. The hall was filled with about 70 people when the band started, and by the time the first songs were played, that number had doubled. The fans of JOHNNIE ROOK were eagerly waiting in front of the stage, and as the band kicked off, everyone started moving. Many younger fans, especially a lot of girls. The band launched into their set as expected, fast, melodic, and with enthusiasm. Singer Franziska not only sang the lyrics; she celebrated them. Her well-trained vocal voice gave the songs the energy, depth, and heart that brings so much life to the music that it can send chills down your spine.
This energy and the powerful, melodic punk rock that the band plays attracted more and more people into the hall. By the halfway point of the band's set, the room was well filled, which is rare for first bands at the Tommy-Haus. This not only shows the quality of the band but also how many fans they have in their hometown.
The Berliners will release a new album in 2012. JOHNNIE ROOK gave the audience a taste of what to expect at their show. It can be said that there will be demanding, guitar-driven music with German lyrics, plenty of drive, and a lot of catchiness. So, what you know from the band, only better.
One can be curious about what the band will present on their new record.
After 45 minutes, including an encore, JOHNNIE ROOK stepped back and gave the audience a chance to go out into the now warm hall to catch some fresh air. The spring air of the evening was refreshingly cool, but not cold. So, I was not the only one who missed the beginning of ALARMSIGNAL.
When I entered the hall, I could hardly get to the front from the bar. An estimated 200 people stood in front of the stage. What could still be described as timid pogo during JOHNNIE ROOK turned into a proper punk rock dance during ALARMSIGNAL.
The band from Celle once again demonstrated that they perfectly master fast, melodic punk rock in a varied style. The sound of the music is reminiscent of RASTA KNAST but is lyrically simpler. Striking lyrics, familiar phrases, and wisdoms are packed into songs that will surely appeal more to the younger generation than to those nearing the 30-year mark. This is not to say that the band is bad, but I am a bit too old for the lyrics. However, the younger audience enjoyed the band so much that more and more people danced in front of the stage, and the warmth in the hall slowly reached tropical temperatures. The good atmosphere and the well-mixed sound made the band's hour-long set an experience.
After midnight, there was a slightly longer changeover before the quartet from Celle took the stage, which especially the older audience members had been waiting for.
RASTA KNAST!
The band played for a good hour exactly what was expected. Their fast punk rock songs were delivered powerfully. The mixture of melody, speed, and demanding lyrics once again thrilled the now noticeably older audience. Classics like “Die Katze beißt in Draht,” “Einer mehr oder weniger,” or the especially celebrated “Ost-Berlin” were sung along with enthusiasm.
RASTA KNAST effortlessly showed why they are at the forefront of German-speaking punk rock and have many fans abroad. Few can deliver this sound with these lyrics at such a high level.
In conclusion, one can only say, three great bands in one evening, good atmosphere, solid sound, fair admission, and a location that fits perfectly for this, it couldn't be better.