After their self-titled album and the much-noticed “Entertainment Overkill“, THE BOTTROPS do not continue where they left off, which would also be difficult, because what can come after an Overkill?
The band from Berlin-Kreuzberg takes a step back and aptly names their album “Hinterhofhits” after the songs they create. Radio play, video, big features… all of that is sought in vain by the guys. The four-piece doesn’t need that. Others can sell themselves. THE BOTTROPS do what they feel like and what they enjoy.
Fifteen Hinterhofhits come through the speakers on this CD. In the beautiful digipack, the lyrics are printed for reading, smiling, and self-reflection. However, singer Benno does such a good job that the lyrics can be easily understood. Here’s also a big shoutout to the recording engineers, great sound! Speaking of recording. All the songs were recorded live in a small basement in Berlin over one weekend. This absolutely benefits the songs. The tracks come across more powerfully. It strongly reminds one of the sound heard live.
The first two songs of the album are still quite open in terms of understanding; it’s not immediately clear what the band wants to convey, that is, should it point to something specific or be generally applicable? The third song “Go2Hell“ is such that everyone can really understand it. A provocative song on the topic of gentrification. Will the Swabians feel attacked again, like by stickers saying “Welcome to Schwabylon“?? And how will all the money-hungry real estate agents react? A song that speaks for corners, edges, and dirt. A song that is for the city and not for its renovators.
With song number 6 “Kannibale“, a piece comes from the speakers that can only come from Mr. Johnny Bottrop. Such works can also be found on the last albums of THE BOTTROPS, like “Die Party“ from “Entertainment Overkill“. A delightful song, somewhere between 60s power pop, spoken word, and swinging punk.
Lyrically somewhere between nonsense, dreams, and a desirable reality.
The fifteen songs reveal their depth only after multiple listens. They are all catchy throughout, you start to sing along, and they definitely bring good vibes. However, after several listens, one discovers that these lyrics have far more than just a bit of entertainment.
“Hinterhofhits“ moves slightly away from the power pop influence, allowing more rock and punk influences to come to the fore. But it remains a THE BOTTROPS album, of course.
P.S.: An interview with the band will be published soon at ramtatta.de!!
