RODGAU MONOTONES
When you ask the musicians of the Rodgau Monotones about the status of their band, you hear phrases like "We are an indestructible anachronism." There is a hint of self-deprecation, as well as a sympathetic understatement, but above all, a lot of self-confidence. After all, the band from the Hessian hinterland has been around since 1977. And with the same lineup at its core. Because singer Peter "Osti" Osterwold, guitarists Ali Neander and Raimund Salg, as well as bassist Joky Becker and drummer Mob Böttcher are founding members of the Monotones. They don't hide what their original goal was. "Our first rehearsal was great and loud, we drank beer, stole ZZ Top..." they paid tribute to their beginnings later in two lines of a song. Blues, boogie, and distinctive rock riffs have remained true to them in their own songs to this day. In the typical "Rodgau Style" with driving drums, a stoic bass, plenty of fat guitars, ecstatic vocals, and sharp brass as a bonus. Singer Kerstin Pfau as a second voice and saxophonist Matthias Dörsam are also responsible for this.
For those who still consider Rodgau Monotones a regional phenomenon due to all the "Hessizismen" and unmistakable local color in the lyrics, take a look at the history of Rodgau Monotones in fast forward here in the attachment. It quickly becomes clear that the group is an indispensable part of German rock history. This realization must be made by oneself, as marketing and self-promotion were never the Monotones' thing. They once said they are a brand with a communication problem. Nevertheless, in the rare species of German-speaking rock'n'rollers, they still have a leading edge and are still one of the best live acts in this country. Unpretentious despite all their playing skills. Unexcited and maybe a bit lazy. Constantly touring between Garmisch and Flensburg is not their thing. But when they perform at the Fabrik in Hamburg, the house is packed. Their love for playing always takes priority. Many song titles on their new 14th studio album, cheekily titled "Genial," signal this. "Vollgas," "Mama Lauda" (meaning "Make it louder"), "How awesome is that," "When it kicks off," "No one does it like us" (with the credo: better loud than dead...) and "Still having fun." This also reached neighboring states. On the SWR website under the headline "Powerful Boogie Rock," it was mentioned: "The Hessian fun rockers once again combine powerful ZZ Top-style boogie rock with juicy brass sections, almost catchy hooklines, and of course humorous lyrics on their first studio album in seven years. As always, there is room for thoughtful nuances, as well as the famous stylistic parodies – this time, the shanty-rumble rockers Santiano are the target. Musically, musically, and production-wise, everything happens at a high level. Brilliant? Definitely compelling." And yet, the septet is occasionally confronted with clichés like "comedy band" or "beer tent rockers." However, Ali Neander has the right answer for that: "Especially in times when rock music seems to be becoming increasingly irony-free and humorless, established forces like us must provide relief. But amidst all this party mood, there are also numerous little sly remarks, and lo and behold, even a political claim."
Doors Open: 7:00 PM
Hallo, ich bin Maya.
