MACSAT from Münster in Westfalen will release their third album on September 8, 2023. An album that already impresses with its packaging. The digipack comes in a very tactile paper, and the front cover already shows where the album is headed. An elephant galloping and kicking up a lot of dust — can there be a better visual symbol for the title “Turn it Up“? In the opened fold-out cover, the elephant is seen bathing, and the five band members greet the listener. Additionally, there is a 16-page booklet with the lyrics and some nice pictures of the band. It has become rare for album packaging to be produced so elaborately and to look so visually appealing. The LP is available in 180g clear vinyl, and there will also be a cassette of the album.
But enough about the packaging. It’s all about the content.
After a little drum roll, it transitions into a rocky reggae beat with a catchy chorus. A song that reminds me a bit of The Busters.
With “By Your Side,” it continues in a rocky and somewhat kitschy manner.
I will never stop loving you, no matter when you´ll do
Whenever you´ll need me,
be sure that you can count on me
It’s just a bit too kitschy for my taste, and the sound leans more towards suburban rock and stadium rock for small towns. Add in some nice choruses to sing along, and you have the rock song for the masses.
Everyone is allowed to express their feelings and thoughts, but to me, it all feels a bit too...unappealing.
Next up is a song with German lyrics and a reggae number that slowly transforms into a 2-tone beat. The lyrics fit the many nice guys who look really mainstream but have a quirky side. A glimpse into the soul of humanity.
In the next song, the structure of the lyrics reminds me a lot of Terrorgruppe and also Dritte Wahl. Both bands liked to use lists in their lyrics. So it’s no surprise that Gunnar from Dritte Wahl sings along here. There’s a bit of punk coming through, but it doesn’t really get to unleash itself.
Overall, the songs on the album are very diverse. MACSAT playfully and skillfully moves between reggae, ska, punk, rock, indie, and alternative. One cannot deny the band’s musical ability. They know what they are doing, and the whole thing is also produced quite impressively. However, what I find lacking is the soul. It feels too polished and soulless to me. This is music that plays at a festival, where you might stick around, but little remains after their performance. At least that’s how I feel, because even if my living room isn’t a festival venue, I think after listening through...And now?
MACSAT offers a bit of everything, but nothing really with passion.
There are good songs on the album, but overall, it only appeals to me to a limited extent.
