Review ZSK “Feuer & Papier”

Punk has always been associated with a rebellious spirit and a nonconformist attitude. Punk rock has been the musical outlet for this mindset, and the movement has also had a strong political dimension. ZSK carries this mindset into the present, and their newest album, “Feuer & Papier,” embodies it.

The Berlin-based polit-punks’ eighth record features eleven songs with messages that sometimes extend beyond politics. One of the lead singles, “Sommer ohne Nazis,” is a clear statement that leaves no room for interpretation, but there’s more. The title track, however, is about perseverance and the belief that things will get better. There’s no reason to give up.

The opener, “3 Uhr Nachts,” is not only a snappy punk rocker. It also addresses the importance of friendship and solidarity. “So viel Gutes” is an energetic, catchy punk rock song with a chorus made for shouting along at live shows. It’s an optimistic song on the album about the good things that happen every day, no matter how bad the day may seem.

“Keine Liebeslied für Berlin” was released as one of the album’s lead singles. Though it seems to reject the German metropolis, it is actually a “love song” for the freedom and diversity found in Kreuzberg, one of Berlin’s districts.

The influence of The Clash is evident in “Nicht allein,” another song about hope, willpower, and perseverance. The message is that you’re not alone, even when times get tough. It is a throbbing punk rock song that echoes Iggy Pop, and the “ohohohoh” part invites sing-alongs.

“Leuchtraketen” is a fast-paced song full of energy and power, followed by the electric “Jede Hand.” The latter is a punk rock anthem that unleashes its energy the first time you hear it.

ZSK delivers an album that combines an energetic punk sound with a punk mindset. It follows the direction of what the band stands for. It represents freedom, diversity, togetherness, and hope for a better tomorrow. This is the direction their empathetic compass points to, and it defines the songs. These values might be more important these days than over the past few decades.