Album Review: 1991 by Illicit Work – A Hidden Gem from Germany
Alright, let’s talk about 1991, the debut album by Illicit Work. Released in 2018 under Igroovenext.com (yeah, that’s a mouthful), this German pop-rock project is one of those albums you stumble upon and think, “Why isn’t this bigger?” It’s got heart, grit, and just enough edge to keep things interesting without trying too hard.
First off, the band's lineup reads like a dream team of musicians. You’ve got Roland Schneider pulling double duty as arranger and mixer, Marlon Coulibaly bringing soulful vocals, and Thomas Weiling adding layers with keys and backing vocals. Oh, and shoutout to Marc Beckmann for not only designing the cover but also rocking the drums. That’s multitasking at its finest!
Now, onto the music itself. The album kicks off with "Confessions," and man, it sets the tone perfectly. It’s catchy but not in an overproduced way—more like that song you hum while doing chores and then realize hours later it’s still stuck in your head. The guitar work by Andreas Walde shines here, giving it a raw yet polished vibe. And Marlon’s voice? Smooth as butter. If I had to pick one track that made me hit repeat, this would be it.
Another standout is "I’ll Be There." This one feels like a warm hug wrapped in saxophone solos courtesy of Christof Lindholm. Seriously, the sax adds this retro flair that takes you back to the '80s without being cheesy. Plus, the lyrics are simple but relatable—you know, the kind that makes you nod along like, “Yeah, I get that.”
The rest of the tracks hold their own too. Tracks like "Hopeful" and "Slow Down" bring some introspective vibes, while "Doubie" amps up the energy with punchy basslines from Thomas Kaup (aka Schraubi). Honestly, there’s something for everyone here. Whether you’re into moody ballads or upbeat rockers, 1991 delivers.
What really struck me about this album was how authentic it feels. These guys aren’t chasing trends; they’re just making music they love. And yeah, maybe that’s why it flew under the radar. But hey, sometimes the best stuff does.
So, wrapping this up… Listening to 1991 feels like finding an old mixtape at a thrift store. You don’t know what to expect, but once you press play, you can’t help but smile. Oh, and fun fact—I googled the band after writing this and found out they all met through online forums. How random is that? Music truly connects people in weird ways. Check it out if you’re looking for something fresh but familiar. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
