Blanker Hohn // Mean Ellees

An #FNMC Double Feature:

Blanker Hohn

Pogo Fun Rock? German Punk!

1983: Two or three goofballs with negligible instrumental skills set out on their mission: “We’re going to be Harburg’s best punk rock band!” Well, that was easy, since there weren’t any other punks south of the Süderelbe anyway. Several German punk records and a few concerts later, they ended up opening for Die Toten Hosen, whom they subsequently agreed were pretty lame. At least BLANKER HOHN used the “hard-earned” money to buy real instruments—and then broke up. Starting in 1986, they went their separate ways and pursued professional careers: in advertising, in industry, working for the class enemy, and on construction sites. For quite some time now, BH have been holding release and farewell, benefit, malefic, and reunion concerts at irregular intervals. They still think Die Toten Hosen are lame and prefer to play alongside even older or lesser-known bands—however:

BLANKER HOHN, the punk rockers from Hamburg’s unloved southern district of Harburg, have been unstoppable since their unexpected reappearance in 2018. With the tenacity of a retiree who regularly runs away from the nursing home, the band led by singer Oile picks up today right where they left off in 1983: “Pogo Fun Rock,” as the “Harburger Anzeigen und Nachrichten” once razor-sharply analyzed. In truth, the four gentlemen play punk rock with German lyrics: rumbling, fast (at least 180 bpm), and with virtuoso enthusiasm. Add to that a mischievous grin that spreads to the pogoing crowd.

The band is now celebrating its third reincarnation, yet sounds just as fresh as it did on day one. In 2019, the first BH vinyl since 1985 was released: *Die letzten unserer Art*, followed by a single or two. Another album came out in 2023 and has been performed live ever since, wherever possible: “HAVE WE SEEN IT ALL? ” No, not yet:

MEAN ALLEES as sparring partners—tonight at the #Punk #DoubleFeature at the Friday Night Music Club

Mean Ellees

Punk Rock

In their four-year history, the MEAN ELLEES from Düsseldorf have played every venue in the area that didn’t shut the door on them fast enough: from music bars to boat tours, from community gardens to major festivals—they’ve done it all. The band’s high-energy, joyful performance is contagious, and the fun the four of them have on stage quickly spreads to the audience.

Their debut album, *ALL YOU CAN EAT*, has now been released on vinyl. Get ready for anthems and catchy tunes about favorite clubs, heartbreak, the joy of drinking, unwelcome guys, and everything else that’s on your mind. They don’t always take themselves too seriously, though—their main goal is to have a great night with the crowd.