Lyrically the lyrics of this album are perhaps a little more demanding than in the predecessor albums; but that depends on the point of view! To me at least have the old texts like better: since talked directly and honestly from the heart, with the so typical for Tocos self-irony. But you could identify this good especially as a teenager and twen so because one occurred the problems and ideas familiar.
However, the new texts seem to me something silly and "pseudo-intellectual" against. Largely embarrassing. In particular, bandleader Dirk von Lowtzow seems to have pretty much lost his sense of humor here. At first I thought that the band itself does not take the lyrics seriously; but in the meantime, unfortunately, taught by reading interviews of Lowtzow better of it!
Sad, sad! With the tedious ramblings of former indie rockers would rather have the same feature writer at the FAZ should be, and not identification point and youth idol! "Part of a youth movement" can be as one in any case not going to get more!
Or what is one of "statements" as "Pure Reason Must Never Win" hold, if you know that the seriousness intended to mean? (The title of the album says it all!). Since you want to rather doubt the "reason" of the one who makes such a statement! (Alas, a teacher said earlier always: "You would have been silent, you would have remained a philosopher!").
Technically might be done better although the music; it has become technically adept; used more technology, has an additional. Guitarist brought on board. This may have subsequently paid all; with this album at least not yet! Because technical skill is not everything! Here's missing too much of the artistic spark, the genius!
It has also been strong while listening to the CD the feeling that the band is the great idol Jochen Distelmeyer, even in his excursions in the hit, followed uncritically. But that the sacrifice of one's own individuality is here noticeably not been worth it!
The good, distinctive Tocotronic- Sound shimmers here, fortunately, here again by, and saves at least the weak texts again and again!
In this sense, is by far the best song here, "Against the Grain".
Also "Pure Reason Must Never Win", "But living here, no thanks!" and "The 8th ocean", "
CONCLUSION: Of course, the album is not bad. But Tocotronic seems to me a little at a time between artistic creativity crisis?
The disc sounds like a lack of orientation! (Which of course was with "surrender" Thank God, finally found!). Where is the old, one-tocopherol individuality?
It may be that the album was necessary as a "walkover" to "New Musical. Banks", to gradually find. May still not particularly necessary to the album therefore. And therefore there's just only 4 stars.
In youth this album should have caused great confusion: Many young people may have had his doubts as to whether it really is as desirable as his "heroes" "to grow up"! (Lyrics!).
Too bad about the money! But 15, - Euro, this CD is not worth it if you have to work hard for it!
If that album still like the still knows probably no other (good) toco- album! To him be here, therefore, said: The best albums of Tocos are still "KOOK" and of course "Digital is better"! The one must necessarily TUNE!
But from the newer discs are also "surrender" and "Sound and the Fury" again quite innovative and worth listening to!