THE STARS

The new album “Wenn es Liebe ist” by Die Sterne brings together familiar indie pop moments in typical star sound, but also unexpected new inventions. In addition to German lyrics, there are English-language songs, post-punk influences, and Dyan Valdés takes on the lead vocals on two tracks. Instead of the hundredth repeat, the album sounds like a new beginning — fresh, pointed, humorous and uncompromising.

The single “Ich nehmen das Amt nicht an” is based on a huge riff, a driving beat and an energy inspired by greats like Jack White or T. Rex. Singer and frontman Frank Spilker describes the song as “riff rock” — an outlet for the irrationality and refusal of discourse that shapes our time. In terms of content, the song focuses on the renaissance of the irrational: the loss of argument-driven debates, the departure from facts, the escalations that have long since turned into violence. Spilker's words are sharp, ironic and at the same time frighteningly topical — and thus shows once again how precisely The Stars translate social developments into music.

Since the early 1990s, Die Sterne have been one of the most important voices in German-language pop. With their keen sense for social observation, political wit and poetic sharpness, they set standards that many still measure themselves against today. “When it's Love” proves that Die Sterne have remained uncompromisingly relevant even over 30 years after their first records.