Released CD - "No End": Wanda sings about pain and existence
"Not all injuries mend swiftly," states the Viennese band Wanda. Composed of singer Marco Wanda, guitarist Manu Poppe, and bassist Ray Weber, this trio has been struck by severe misfortunes over the recent years. Their latest album, "Ende nie" (Never Ending), drops today. Along with expressing their pain through music, they aim to instill hope in others.
In September 2022, Wanda's keyboardist Christian Hummer passed away after suffering from an extended illness. A few months later, Marco's father departed this world. "I'll be here to hold your hand tight," croons the lead vocalist in the track "Bei niemand anders" (By Nobody Else) - one of the best songs on the record. Marco composed this rock ballad as a tribute to his late friend and as a source of solace for his ailing father, as per his record label.
The band, whose music career spans back to the mid-2010s with hits like "Bologna" and "Bussi Baby," refrained from granting interviews in the lead-up to their sixth studio album release. "The subjects encapsulating the album are too excruciating to repeatedly discuss," state the remaining members. "Our music can only speak for us, and we hope it provides you with strength and happiness." These seasoned live performers also prepare for a nationwide tour in Germany that commences tomorrow.
Themes of death, suffering, and grief are prevalent in compositions such as "Therapie" (Therapy) and "Fuck Youtube," in which Marco laments his inability to listen to specific songs anymore due to their connection to his father's sickness and a previous breakup. Sadly, the band struggles to fully achieve their musical aspirations. The indie-schlager-style rock ensemble delivers a series of monotonous instrumental segments, lethargic rhythms, and anaemic song structures with insufficient dynamism and variety.
Music can provide support, but cannot fully heal.
Yet, there are also musical gems found within this album. These tracks, primarily those saturated with hope and positivity, include the sing-along tune "Jeder kann es sein" (Anyone Can Be It) and the piano rock of "Niemandem was schuldig" (Nobody Was Guilty). Moreover, the energetic track "Woher soll ich wissen" (Where Should I Know) showcases an uplifting lyric: "Oh, how wonderful it would be if it were love," Marco Wanda sings, enveloped by a melody that outsoars grief and anguish.
According to the group, creating music has consumed a substantial amount of their strength. "Music can be a source of support, but it can't perform magic and instantaneously mend deep-seated wounds — that's a personal endeavour."
Read also:
- Despite the painful themes in their new album, Wanda remains hopeful and aims to offer solace to their listeners.
- The Austrian band, led by Marco Wanda, is set to embark on a nationwide tour in Germany following the release of their album 'Ende nie'.
- Marco Wanda composed the moving rock ballad 'Bei niemand anders' as a tribute to his late friend and as a source of comfort for his ailing father.
- Marco often reflects on his father's illness and a past breakup in his songs, such as 'Fuck Youtube', where he expresses his difficulty in listening to certain tracks.
- Despite their challenges, Wanda continues to create music, acknowledging that while it provides support, it cannot fully heal deep-seated wounds, which is a personal journey for each individual.
