Gewohnheitstrinker – Krieg

Randale Records

 

Freiburg’s Oi!-punk formation Gewohnheitstrinker was established well over fifteen years ago. Still, it wasn’t until more recently that I was properly introduced to this band through “Krieg”, their latest album for Randale Records and third full-length in general. So obviously I am missing a reference, as I never heard Gewohnheitstrinker’s previous albums, splits and EP’s before, but “Krieg” definitely makes me want to dig into the band’s backlog!

 

Especially the first two tracks, “Armer Schlucker” and “Ein Herz Fuer Trinker”, immediately caught my attention. Delivering a sound that strongly reminds me of Rabauken, one of my favorite German Oi! bands, these guys instantly grabbed me by the throat – not letting me go until the chords of the last track, “Das Wunder Von Bern”, faded. Meanwhile Gewohnheitstrinker surprises in a very positive way with great melodies, strong clean vocals, a fistful of sing-alongs and a cover, “Trinkerherz”, by one of my all-time favorite (German) punk bands, Chaos Z!

 

For some reason I thought I was going to expect some heavy, leaning against Deutschrock, kind of Oi! music, but Gewohnheitstrinker provides quite the opposite with “Krieg”. By all means, they don’t do anything new, but the total of ten tracks sound fresh and fun to listen to nonetheless! A pleasant surprise from the south of Germany, cheers!