KMFDM- Hau Ruck

Artist: KMFDM
CD Title: Hau Ruck
Label: Metropolis Records
Reviewer: Matthew Johnson
Date: 11-19-05

KMFDM’s last few albums have been OK; they still sounded like KMFDM, which is hardly a bad thing. Still, they seemed to lack direction, and while the songs were competent enough, there weren’t any true classics in the manner of “Light,” “Juke Joint Jezebel” or “Godlike.” That’s all changed with the band’s latest album, however. Every track is stunning and memorable. The signature mix of techno beats and pounding rock guitars is still intact, the lyrics still combine cynicism and activism, and band founder Sascha Konietzko still has his cocky growl. More importantly, the choruses are hard-hitting enough to pump your fist to but melodic enough to sing along with. Female vocalist Lucia Cifarelli shares the singing duties, gliding masterfully between hardcore punk shouts on “Free Your Hate” and a more sensual purr on “Real Thing.” “You’re No Good” segues from a mellow groove into an aggressive, guitar-backed duet, while the brilliant “Professional Killer” adds acid house beats and funky horn loops to the mix. There are also some purely rock ‘n’ roll moments; “Feed Our Fame” is full of loud, banging drums, distortion, and wah-wah-infused solos, while “Mini Mini Mini” features Konietzko singing in French over heavy guitar chords. KMFDM’s strength has always been their ability to make angry social commentary sound fun, and this CD delivers that and then some. “New American Century” is so catchy you’ll be too busy dancing to notice that you’ve been motivated to rise up against oppression, and “Every Day’s A Good Day” is laced with enough gratuitous profanity to make you feel like an angry high school student again. It’s debatable whether KMFDM lost it for a while; what’s inarguable is that they’ve got it now, and more of it then ever. This album is the proof.

Visit KMFDM at www.kmfdm.net.