Gerøll’s “Gerøll” Album Review: Punk Rock That Doesn’t Take Itself Too Seriously
Alright, buckle up, because Germany just cranked out another punk rock gem that’s raw, unfiltered, and kinda smells like spilled beer in the best way possible. The self-titled debut album Gerøll by Gerøll is here to remind us that sometimes all you need is one dude on bass, guitar, AND vocals (shoutout to Robert) plus a drummer who probably hits harder than your ex (thanks, Lutz). Released under Not On Label—which honestly sounds like something I’d name my garage band—this record doesn’t reinvent the wheel but sure as hell flattens it with some serious attitude.
Let’s dive into the chaos, shall we? With eight tracks clocking in at what feels like an adrenaline-fueled road trip through Hamburg’s grittiest corners, Gerøll delivers exactly what you want from punk: loud guitars, snarling vocals, and lyrics that make you go, “Wait…did they just say THAT?”
Standout Tracks You Won’t Forget (Even If You Try)
First up, “WASTED.” Oh man, this track slaps harder than a hangover after a night of bad decisions. It opens with a riff so punchy it could double as an alarm clock for insomniacs. Robert’s vocals are equal parts pissed-off and playful, like he’s yelling at the world while secretly laughing behind its back. And let’s not forget Lutz on drums—he’s pounding away like his life depends on it, which honestly might be true given how chaotic things get around the two-minute mark. This song sticks with you because it’s relatable; everyone’s been wasted至少一次in their life, right? Just don’t ask me to spell “wasted” correctly after hearing this tune too many times.
Then there’s “HAHNOEFERSAND,” which sounds like the love child of a mosh pit and a geography lesson gone wrong. What even IS Hahnoefer Sand? A place? An insult? A really weird sandwich filling? Either way, this track is wild. The bassline grooves like crazy, and Robert somehow manages to sound both exhausted and electrified at the same time. By the end, you’ll be shouting nonsense syllables along with him, even though you have no clue what they mean. That’s the magic of punk—it doesn’t care if you understand it, as long as you feel it.
Why This Album Works (Mostly)
What makes Gerøll stand out isn’t groundbreaking innovation or studio wizardry—it’s honesty. These guys aren’t trying to be polished or perfect; they’re just throwing everything they’ve got onto the canvas and letting it splatter where it may. Sure, some tracks blend together like cheap paint, but when something clicks—like “WASTED” or “HAHNOEFERSAND”—it REALLY clicks.
And props to Robert for doing triple duty. Dude must’ve grown extra arms during recording sessions or something. Meanwhile, Lutz keeps the rhythm section tight enough to hold everything together without suffocating the madness. Punk purists will dig it, and skeptics might find themselves nodding along despite themselves.
Final Thoughts (and a Random Observation)
If you’re looking for a soundtrack to smash stuff (responsibly, please), drink questionable beverages, or just stare dramatically out a rainy window, Gerøll has got your back. It’s messy, loud, and occasionally brilliant—the musical equivalent of tripping over a curb but landing in a pile of free concert tickets.
One last thing: Listening to this album made me realize that naming your band and album the same thing is either genius branding or just laziness. Honestly, I can’t decide which, but hey, it works. Now excuse me while I try to pronounce “HAHNOEFERSAND” five more times without crying.
