An evening with two brilliant trios: The German alternative rock scene is still one that - unjustifiably so - fails to make a larger impact beyond its borders. Van Holzen and their support act Kind Kaputt are two examples of why it is worth it to pay attention to acts that sing in a foreign language. You might find new gems to jam out to, or even discover your new favourite band.
Van Holzen (picture credit Frederic Metzler)
Entering the stage to an already packed-out venue, Kind Kaputt choose a rather mellow opening with Leichter. Floaty indie guitars are backed by downtempo drumming and a punchy ending that bring out the heavier element which has shaped the band's sound since its inception. Arguably, this is the weakest point of the set though. Things become far more interesting when the trio leans into its punkier side, for example as heard on the subsequent Anfang und Ende or the absolute rager that is Alles erreichen. In a way, the newest LP Morgen ist auch noch kein Tag follows the footsteps of Heisskalt, blending catchiness and puzzling lyricism with melancholic hooks reminiscent of German post-hardcore's glory days. Another plus is the compact songwriting that shines in a live setting, making every track seem shorter than it actually is and fueling the flame of first erupting moshpits. After a surprisingly well-executed cover of Tokio Hotel's Durch den Monsun, one-off single Wasser is a fierce competitor to Van Holzen's magnificent wall of sound. Kind Kaputt might not have reinvented the wheel, but their music makes for great fun on record as well as live settings.
Kind Kaputt (picture credit Frederic Metzler)
With the venue temperature already above thirty degrees, this is bound to be the sweatiest gig in Van Holzen's career. Schlafen introduces the crowd to the sound the band is known and loved for: ear-shattering drums are complemented by fuzzy guitars and bass, singer Florian Kiesling's soothing baritone voice firmly sitting on top of the mix. Despite their (still) relatively underground status in the landscape of German music, Van Holzen choose a minimalist yet efficient lighting rig with three lamps positioned above each member, illuminating the faces of the young trio on an otherwise dark stage.
The setlist is filled to the brim with fan favorites and deep cuts alike. Aus der Ferne, the most recent LP, stands at the forefront with nine songs. Not much time is wasted on intermissions or lengthy announcements, the focus lies on music and relentless energy instead. An enthusiastic crowd brings the songs to life on a dancefloor that is smaller than your typical shitty student dorm. Still, this doesn't keep the audience from raising elbows wherever it sees fit.
Van Holzen (picture credit Frederic Metzler)
The faster tracks presented this evening such as Arche or the classic Herr der Welt raise the roof and showcase what Royal Blood would sound like with higher tempo and bigger drive to their songwriting. But make no mistake: the band from Ulm has coined its own sound and long broken away from lazy comparisons to other alternative rock acts. Lyrically, the gun is pointed at conspiracy theorists, right-wing ideology and climate change denial.
It needs to be noted what a tight unit the trio is when performing. Every part is fully locked in and rests on drummer Daniel Kotitschke's sophisticated beats that vary between heavy hitting and tastefully executed fills. Among the varied setlist, a couple of new songs also find their place. Tauchen is a journey in its own right, coming across as dreamier and more laid-back in nature. The following Mars tackles manmade effects of climate change and our neglect towards treating our environment with respect ("Earth has fulfilled its purpose, Mars will be become our next garbage dumpster"). With an extremely unsettling sentiment and syncopated beats to hammer the point home, Van Holzen leave the stage before a three song encore.
Letztes Jahr, which concludes the newest album, starts off as a type of monologue about friendship and new beginnings before leading straight into the heavy, headbang-worthy Allein that has been requested a few times already throughout the set. As beads of sweat drip from the ceiling and everyone's t-shirts, the dramatic Alle Meine Freunde ends the evening in fashion. Singer Florian remarks that it has been too long since they last played Frankfurt and how next time they return, they'll aim for a bigger stage. While being drowned out by waves of applause, the evening comes to an end. To those looking for an entry point to amazing German music, look no further than Van Holzen. You surely won't regret it. And who knows? Maybe the poetic lyrics will inspire you to pick up a new language as well. Even if you don't, the trio is a force to be reckoned with, so don't sleep on them.
Rating: 4/5 feathers
Here's the setlist from the evening:
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