Der Moderne Man

Reviews

Der Moderne Man Unmodern LP reissue

Originally released in 1982 as DER MODERNE MAN’s second studio album, Tapete has reissued this along with the band’s first LP, 80 Tage Auf See, as well as some previously unreleased singles, EPs, and demos (on the Jugend Forscht 2xLP). Based in Hanover, Germany, DER MODERNE MAN found themselves at the forefront of the punk and new wave scenes coming out of the area, freely mixing genres and styles. The opener “Anakonda” starts with a moody feel, featuring a slinky bass line and some spooky vocals, only to move on to dub influences on songs like “Nur Die,” featuring some classic reggae synths, guitars, and saxophones. I also hear psych rock guitars on “Nicht Warten,” followed by a danceable, poppy electronic beat on “Gurus und Geheimagenten.” All to say, this album is full of texture, surprises, and is certainly worth your time.

Der Moderne Man 80 Tage auf See LP reissue

Considered one of the first German punk albums, Tapete gives us a reissue of this incomparable LP by DER MODERNE MAN. If you’re not already familiar, congrats on getting to hear this one for the first time. This is Neue Deutsche Welle before there was a word to even describe what you were hearing. Absolutely brilliant post-punk mixed with some electronic sounds, the energy here is tense, taught, turbulent, yet fully in control. The simmering build of “Haarschnitt” into the controlled mania of WIRE-esque standout “Dauerlauf” is a perfect one-two punch. The variety in these twelve tracks is a testament to the group’s expansive sonic palette, having traveled to New York and London to dig into those scenes before creating this album—you can hear RAMONES, you can hear CLASH, you can even hear MAGMA (were they hanging in Paris?), but you’d never mistake DER MODERNE MAN for anything but themselves, pioneers in sound. Put this in your ears.

Der Moderne Man Jugend Forscht (Singles, EPs & Demos 1980–1983) 2xLP

Excellent collection of singles and stray tracks from this Hannover, Germany band. Post-punk energy that vibrates with wiry guitar lines and the bounciest bass ever collides into catchy anthems that recall GANG OF FOUR at times. The band crosses genres into melodic new wave (“Der Sandman” evokes U2 with the echoey guitar strum) and even incorporates two-tone ska rhythms on “Baggersee.” It looks like they still occasionally play live, so here’s hoping DER MODERNE MAN records again someday, because this is grade-A material.