Zeitgenossen – Haltung
There’s a theory embraced by some that our natural reactions are, in no small part, directed by our modern tongue. The language that we first learned to speak, supposedly, is infused with enough original characteristics that it determines, at least partly, the way that we react to the events happening around us.
And while some of this must be true and can be experienced through the beautiful cultural differences between various regions of the world, why have all of us reacted with just as much panic to recent problems? Yes, the world is a mess at the moment in many respects. But, surely, the world, and the people in it, have seen worse. Languages may carry their special traits, but all of them can be used to help give people the courage and hope that they need.
There’s something old-fashioned about Zeitgenossen’s “Haltung.” It brings to mind the militant, punk-infused pop-rock of 1990s German music. But its retro spirit is carried out in the song’s lyrical ideas. This is a song of hope, a kind of virulent hippie chant. It’s a song about overcoming the overall panic of the world through emotion, empathy and care. And while you may or may not speak German, there’s enough emotion captured in those words that you’re likely to understand the meaning.
Media Stres – Narcissistic Rabbit Holes
Are you one of the many people who is paranoid about sharing their personal details on the internet? Have you gone so far as to hire a team of professionals to scrub your data off the net for fear of some deranged lunatic using it against you?
Well, if that’s a fitting description, you’re unlikely to be the kind of person to get a good night’s sleep. You’re also unlikely to make a good songwriter. Bands, inevitably, share more information about the people in them than they would like. Just listen to Media Stres!
No, it’s just the musicians who obsess about social media posts in which they show every detail of their day. It’s simply a consequence of making music. How can you avoid sharing who you are? How can top musicians avoid making it all personal?
Media Stres is a North Croatian who has just mustered back to strength to return to the world of studio recording with the intense, grunge-inspired “Narcissistic Rabbit Holes.”
And while this reviewer does not know the band musicians personally, I can only assume that a colossal amount of energy and a good deal of mental stress is required to create music that is as dynamic as this. These QotSA/Soundgarden-like sounds are not the kind that groups can simply create after having had a cup of tea and having enjoyed a relaxed day. Media Stres must fight themselves every step of the way to get to this.
