Fehlfarben
Biography
**Fehlfarben**
In the smoky clubs of Düsseldorf during the late 1970s, a musical revolution was brewing that would help define German new wave and post-punk for generations to come. Fehlfarben, whose name translates to "wrong colors" or "off colors," emerged from this fertile creative landscape in 1979, becoming one of the most influential bands in the Neue Deutsche Welle (NDW) movement. Founded by Peter Hein on vocals and guitar, Thomas Schwebel on guitar, Michael Kemner on bass, Frank Fenstermacher on saxophone, and Markus Oehlen on drums, the band represented a bold departure from conventional German rock music of the era.
The group's origins trace back to the artistic ferment of Düsseldorf's punk scene, where members had previously played in various experimental outfits. What set Fehlfarben apart was their sophisticated approach to songwriting, combining the raw energy of punk with complex musical arrangements and politically charged lyrics delivered entirely in German. This linguistic choice was both revolutionary and controversial at a time when most German bands sang in English to achieve international success.
Their breakthrough came with the 1980 debut album "Monarchie und Alltag" (Monarchy and Everyday Life), a masterpiece that would become the cornerstone of German alternative music. The album's title track became an anthem for disaffected youth, with its driving rhythm and Peter Hein's distinctive vocal delivery capturing the frustration and alienation of post-war German society. Songs like "Ein Jahr (Es geht voran)" showcased the band's ability to blend danceable rhythms with subversive political commentary, while "Große Liebe" demonstrated their capacity for more introspective, romantic material. The album's production, handled by Conny Plank, gave their sound a crisp, modern edge that helped distinguish them from their punk contemporaries. "Monarchie und Alltag" not only established Fehlfarben as leaders of the NDW movement but also proved that German-language rock could be both commercially viable and artistically sophisticated.
The band's momentum continued with 1982's "33 Tage in Ketten" (33 Days in Chains), an album that saw them expanding their sonic palette while maintaining their political edge. This sophomore effort demonstrated remarkable growth in their songwriting, incorporating elements of funk, reggae, and even early electronic music into their post-punk foundation. The title track's hypnotic groove and cryptic lyrics about confinement and liberation resonated with audiences living through the tensions of Cold War Germany. Songs like "Apokalypse" and "Gottseidank nicht in England" showcased their ability to address serious political themes with both urgency and dark humor. The album's more experimental approach, while sometimes challenging for casual listeners, cemented their reputation among critics and fellow musicians as innovators willing to push boundaries.
After a lengthy hiatus during which band members pursued various side projects, Fehlfarben returned in 2002 with "Glücksmaschinen" (Happiness Machines), an album that proved their relevance in a changed musical landscape. Nearly two decades after their previous studio album, the band demonstrated that their creative fire remained undiminished. The record addressed themes of globalization, technology, and social alienation with the same incisive wit that had characterized their earlier work, while incorporating more mature musical arrangements that reflected their growth as artists. Songs like "Apokalypse Wann" served as updates to their earlier apocalyptic visions, while tracks like "Grauschleier" showed a band capable of both rage and tenderness.
Throughout their career, Fehlfarben's influence extended far beyond their recorded output. They inspired countless German bands to embrace their native language and tackle serious political subjects, helping to establish a template for intelligent, socially conscious rock music in Germany. Their impact on the NDW movement cannot be overstated, as they provided a more sophisticated alternative to the sometimes novelty-oriented acts that dominated the scene's commercial peak.
The band's legacy continues to resonate in contemporary German music, with numerous artists citing them as crucial influences. Their songs have been covered by everyone from indie rock bands to electronic artists, testament to the enduring power of their compositions. Peter Hein's distinctive vocal style and the band's innovative approach to rhythm and melody helped establish a uniquely German sound that influenced not just rock music but also the country's electronic music scene.
Today, Fehlfarben remains active, continuing to tour and occasionally release new material, serving as elder
