I don't know! I just don't know!
"What does all this have to do with Louis Armstrong?!", asks me the last sentence of the information sheet from the band "A State Of Grace" ("ASOG"). I haven't slept for nights, haven't eaten anything for days and weeks, and couldn't continue my normal life like this. Now that I've finally found the answer (namely "Nothing!!"), I can finally dedicate myself to the album "And The Savant Starts To Think…" after a long time.
As has often been the case lately, the album from ASOG comes with just a few tracks that can be described more as a teaser. With a runtime of about 15 minutes, the native Hanau residents (from "Hanau") show us how they make their music.
Remarkable (and likable) about this CD is that all the recordings come from the rehearsal room, where usually only noise is produced. But the sound quality is quite good and can definitely hold its own against some "professional" recordings. Responsible for this is "Kristoffer Follestad" from the Norwegian band "Offpist", who has taken it upon himself to mix these songs for the guys.
The ASOG record has been lying around with me for some time, and I've really taken my time to find the right words. Unlike a man who was caught cheating by his wife, I have now found the right words and can explain "all of this" precisely:
ASOG makes catchy and "punk rock typical" punk rock. Simple, yet rocking guitar and bass riffs, a fast drumbeat, and vocals that somehow remind me of the band "Schizosturm". Otherwise, the musical talent remains in an "Okay" range, but doesn't offer any new accents. Aside from the last song "Big Dipper & The Show", which is played with an acoustic guitar, each song has a certain recognizability and therefore doesn't necessarily invite you to listen to the songs again.
The lyrics are also based on a typical punk rock foundation and are as varied as the political parties available: protest, social exclusion, romance, or freedom. All themes that you somehow know and have heard somewhere. The elaboration is rather mediocre and offers little new or exciting. While it may not be bad, it has little chance of being heard given the many similar songs that have been truly brilliantly written in contrast.
The problem with ASOG ultimately lies in the timing. Unfortunately, the guys were born a bit late into this world. Even though the music sounds nice and can entertain at times, the band's style is mercilessly drowned out in the flood of punk rock bands. If the band had started making this music in the 80s/90s, it would likely have become a grand combo back then that would have a name today and perhaps made an important impact. The fact that this was recorded in a rehearsal room gives the band's sound a somewhat "old, yet good because nostalgic" vibe, as one is used to from the pioneers of the punk movement.
As a beginner band, ASOG would certainly be worth a try, provided punk rock enthusiasts can find something appealing in this style. However, for seasoned veterans or listeners of a broad musical spectrum, the album "And The Savant Starts To Think…" is unlikely to offer any great moments. I too only find sporadically scattered elements that interested or delighted me.
In my eyes, this is a mediocre silver disc that lacks great long-term motivation and offers little new.
However, for newcomers in the dirty punk rock land, the CD is surely worth considering.
But one question remains: What does all this have to do with Louis Armstrong?!
