Album Review: Untitled by Ekki & The Toasters
If you’re a fan of rock music with a raw, unfiltered vibe, Untitled by Ekki & The Toasters might just hit the spot. Hailing from Germany, this band brings a mix of Classic Rock and Rock & Roll that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly unpolished. Released under their own label (Not On Label), the album doesn’t try too hard to impress—it just lets the music speak for itself. And honestly? That’s what makes it stick.
The tracklist is short but sweet, featuring covers of some iconic tunes like “A Hard Day’s Night,” “Proud Mary,” “Dead End Street,” and “Brown Sugar.” No groundbreaking originals here, but that’s not really the point. Ekki & The Toasters take these well-known songs and give them a gritty, lived-in makeover. It’s like hearing your favorite classics through a slightly distorted lens—familiar yet fresh.
Let’s talk about two tracks that stood out to me. First up, their take on “Proud Mary.” Now, covering Creedence Clearwater Revival is no small feat, but Ekki & The Toasters manage to make it their own. They slow it down just a touch, letting the guitar riffs breathe while Ekki’s vocals add a raspy edge. It’s not perfect—there are moments where the tempo feels almost too loose—but that’s part of its charm. This version reminds you that rock isn’t supposed to be polished; it’s supposed to feel alive.
Then there’s “Dead End Street.” Originally a Kinks classic, this one leans into a darker, moodier tone. The band amps up the drama with heavier percussion and moody guitar work. What really grabs you, though, is how they capture the song’s melancholy without losing its energy. By the time the last note fades, you’re left thinking about those lyrics in a whole new way. Not bad for a cover, huh?
One thing worth noting is how stripped-back the production feels. There’s no fancy studio trickery here—just straightforward rock ‘n’ roll played by people who clearly love what they do. Featuring Ekki front and center, backed by The Toasters, the chemistry between the performers shines through even on a casual listen.
In the end, Untitled isn’t going to win any awards or redefine the genre, but maybe that’s okay. Sometimes, all you need is an album that feels honest and real. Listening to this record feels like hanging out with old friends—they might not always get everything right, but their passion is contagious.
Oh, and here’s a random thought: if this album had been released in the '70s, I bet it would’ve soundtracked more than a few late-night drives. Just saying.
