Review FEINE SAHNE FISCHFILET ‘Alles glänzt’

German punk rock icons Feine Sahne Fischlfilet had their break-through a few years ago. It was in 2018 when the guys from Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania unleashed their ‘Sturm & Dreck’ album which went right into the German charts and climbed to the number three spot. The band also played big festivals like Rock am Ring, but also participated at the ‘Wir sind mehr’ antifascist festival in Chemnitz.

The band didn’t start with the intention to grow to such a genre-leading powerhouse. Instead it was a bunch of friends who wanted to get active to escape the lethargy of a rural area. It was the beginning of a band the blends powerful music with a clear attitude.

After a break and a line-up change, Feine Sahne Fischfilet launched their newest longplayer a few weeks ago. ‘Alles glänzt’ is the title of this strong record, featuring 12 songs which unfold their full blast right away.

‘Kiddies im Block’ is the opener, a song that was already launched as a single prior to the album release. Addressing the lack of perspective in the Schwerin suburbs, the opener brings up an important and painful subject that should concern us all. The uptempo ‘Wenn’s Morgen vorbei ist’ is a sort of carpe diem song. Living in the moment is the message, enjoying life with friends and family.

Feine Sahne Fischfilet can handle the softer and emotional aspects too. ‘Wenn wir uns sehen’ is a touching song about the helping hands, saving lives of refugees in the Mediterranean Sea in general and Captain Dariush Beigui in specific.

The trumpet plays an important role in the ska driven music of Feine Sahne Fischfilet and is a driving instrument in ‘Tut mir leid’. The song is a reflection of the bands new guitarist Hauke and fits very well into the context of the entire album.

Another great song is ‘Angst zu erfrieren’. Singer Monchi sings about the inner demons of handling all the threats from rightwing groups. Again it’s music, authenticity and attitude that makes the tune to an ambassador for the band.

‘Gib mir mehr’ unveils the impact of UK punk rock on the sound of the band. The aggressive ‘Pass auf mich auf’ leads the listener to the moderately paced ‘Tage zusammen’, another emotional moment of the album. With ‘Freaks dieser Stadt’ the album comes to a glorious end.

Feine Sahne Fischfilet returned with full power from their hiatus. ‘Alles glänzt’ is a strong and vivid album that contains next to excellent songs also lyrics that are worth to dive into. The heart of punk rock is alive and pumping stronger than ever.