ALBUM REVIEW: Plizzken – …And Their Paradise Is Full Of Snakes (Pirates Press Records)
Plizzken are a new band formed by Sebi Walkenhorst, frontman of German Oi! veterans Stomper 98, during last year’s lockdown.
He teamed up with bandmate Silvio Schlesier (guitar/vocals), and they have come up with 13 slices of hard-hitting, anthemic streetpunk.
The first difference between the two bands is obvious, with Plizzken singing in English, rather than their native German.
That will immediately broaden their appeal beyond Stomper 98 fans, as more people will understand the lyrics.
The songs have similar themes: social and political comment, working class pride and fighting for a better life, though to my ears Plizzken are more melodic.
Dear All Happy People, the lead single, was a good example of what to expect – an up-tempo tune full of riffing guitars and a huge singalong chorus.
It’s probably my favourite track here, but there’s plenty more to enjoy, from opener Wasted, which reminds me of The Business, onwards.
Street Education has a stomp which owes as much to glam as it does to punk, while Memento Mori, which reflects on the inevitability of death, could be by the Angelic Upstarts.
Rude & Wild, the second single, inspired by last summer’s street disturbances between teenagers and police in Stuttgart, concludes “Kids do what they always do, win or lose, they’ve got a right to choose.”
Featuring more swaggering guitar and an infectious chorus, it’s another strong contender for standout track.
But the same goes for Stay Away (no relation to the Nirvana tune of the same name) and Beware. In fact, there’s not a weak track here.
Anyone who enjoys their punk served with plenty of passion should give this debut album by Plizzken a listen. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. 8/10.
