In order to transcend the greed inherent in a late capitalist society, we must first recognize that this system thrives on the illusion of separateness—the belief that we are isolated individuals, each seeking to accumulate more than the other. This relentless pursuit of material wealth blinds us to the simple joy of being; the joy that resides in the heart of the collective’s inner child.
In reconnecting with this playful essence, we rediscover that our true wealth lies not in possessions but in relationships, in shared experiences, and in the spontaneous creativity that springs from our unity with others. By abandoning the narrow confines of greed, we return to the flow of life, where the happiness of one is the happiness of all. In this space, we find a deeper, more enduring joy.
The new single Love Not War from Berlin art-punk act Public Display of Affection (P.D.O.A.) highlights this dire need to return to love, resilience and pure joy, for the betterment of humanity and the planet. The song showcases explosive femme vocals with lyricist and dancer Madeleine Rose and drums by producer and multi instrumentalist Anton Remy.
Love Not War expresses themes of monsters, oppressors, and evil, while searching for more fairness, transformative change and authenticity,” says Rose.
Sebastian Steins directs a delightfully bizarre video, pulling us into a glitchy, monochromatic maze. It’s a trip through the heart of the collective, where joyful human expression clashes with the cold grip of conformity. You get flashes of reverie in nature, moments of raw celebration, and the undeniable stamp of individuality—all in stark contrast to a world eager to press us into the same mold. Steins’ vision is a rebellious dance in the shadows, reminding us that our unique fingerprints still matter in a world that tries to smudge them away.
Watch the video for Love Not War below:
Keeping Berlin strange is no small feat, but P.D.O.A. plays their part with the same reckless abandon that once defined West Berlin’s underground scene in the ’80s. Their live shows are a high-wire act of eccentricity, balancing between soulful sincerity and sinful swagger. P.D.O.A. is a near-zen exercise in non-duality, blending art punk with provocative indie rock, drawing in crowds with their chaotic performances, cinematic visuals, and a wild mix of musical styles.
They’ve stuck it out, weathering the storm with a love manifesto aimed squarely at our uncertain future. Their songs echo with the ache of heartbreak, the horror of world crises, the spirit of community, and the slow degradation of art in the modern age. P.D.O.A. is gearing up to release Expressions Of Obsessions, a double album that promises to be as unpredictable and unruly as the city they call home.
Expressions Of Obsessions is a dive into the dark depths of deliberate chaos, pushing the post-punk fury of their 2022 debut, I Still Care, into uncharted territory. It’s a bold mix of avant-garde genre twists and a gut-punch of raw emotion, with spoken word, howling vocals, and a fierce dose of FLINTA energy. Featured artists include the enigmatic Günier Künier, the local queer choir Singen3000, and soul sister Rosa Landers.
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