Speaking a language doesn’t always help. The songs of the Petra band, for example, would be more enjoyable if you didn’t understand them. There is no secret in these lyrics, no empty space that needs to be filled – the celebration of simple joys (“Freibad Fries”), motivational rock (“Don’t Stop”) or middle-class satire (“Mediocre Life”) are so subtle like Tabaluga or the Onkelz. But these uncles are sweet!
A band for almost thirty years, the men from Hamm are a harmonious unit, they play poppy indie rock, neatly produced and competently arranged, everything is so friendly and approachable that you always hope for a little meanness – or at least for a surprise.