In an era where rapid technological advances and shifting social dynamics often render traditional systems and values obsolete, there’s a strong push to break down and rethink established norms. Berlin’s XTR HUMAN doesn’t just challenge these outdated structures—they burst through these Brutalist concrete walls screaming “OH YEAH!” like the Kool-Aid Man. This isn’t mere rebellion; it’s a deliberate upheaval of the status quo.
Johannes Stabel gives a powerful performance with the raw single Neid (“Envy” in German) off of his latest album, Schrank. His robust vocals, forceful bass, and hard-hitting EBM blends emotional coldwave roots with a fierce, modern edge.
The John Rohrer-directed music video for Neid is a visceral exploration of contemporary discontent and resistance. The video’s raw imagery of two figures demolishing a car with sledgehammers serves as a powerful metaphor for rebellion against societal norms and structures. The inclusion of strobe-lit closeups and a dance sequence beneath a dingy car park overpass further amplifies this theme, blending chaos with moments of calculated, defiant expression.
The act of beating the car, an emblem of status and materialism in modern culture, symbolizes a rejection of consumerist values and a yearning for more authentic modes of living. Moreover, the choice of a Brutalist setting—characterized by its minimalist, concrete construction—echoes the theme of austerity and inflexibility, suggesting the oppressive nature of societal expectations. The dance sequence, in contrast, offers a glimpse of human spirit and creativity, asserting that even in the most unyielding circumstances, there is space for individuality and change.
Overall, the clip for Neid serves as a call to action, encouraging viewers to rethink their surroundings and their roles within them. It is a declaration that change is necessary, possible…and perhaps already underway.
Schrank boldly confronts societal biases and empowering listeners to harness their personal power while chasing their ambitions. This album acts as a potent motivator, sparking self-reflection and driving fans to take bold steps. It’s a record that incites movement…and commands attention.
XTR HUMAN has carved a niche in the pulsating heart of Berlin’s underground music scene. Over the past decade, in venues ranging from bat-infested cellars to booming warehouse parties, Stabel has been skillfully cherry-picking the most infectious elements from genres the city is celebrated for, including coldwave, EBM, and post-punk.
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