Save Yourself. traumahelikopter

Somewhere in the recent past years I started to assume that traumahelikopter was no more (and maybe it wasn't for a while). In the fall of 2022 the world was made a little better with the release of a new single that met with a favourable reception on this blog. It led to some high expectations as well. The trio, drums and two guitars delivers the goods.

If Save Yourself is about the band itself, the new album must be a step in the right direction. About myself personally I'm not that worried at this point. My life is enriched with a fantastic alternative rock record with the band truly jumping out of my speakers. There's no stopping them it seems, except turning the record off. Once it's on, a warning to your personal circumstances here, there's no option but to jump up and down with the beat of traumahelikopter.

The Groningen based band is around for 13 years. Ten years ago, almost to the day, it released its first album, 'traumahelicoper'. 'Competition Stripe' its previous album is over six years old now. All contain upbeat alternative rock. Admittedly, it's been a while since I last played one of them. The band sort of slipped away from my consciousness, resulting in having to rely on memory here. Not always a smart thing to do. Nevertheless, I have the strong impression this album is far more direct and urgent. As if the energy saved up in the past years comes out as one big blast, without forgetting that music is, also, about songs.

Save Yourself is full of them. Take 'Please Don't', the single. This is a song of huge proportion, with a great, memorable vocal melody and huge, huge guitar work and a rhythm that is simply infectious. Anyone liking alternative rock and not being affected by it in a hugely positive way must be advised to take a trip to the local hearing aid shop. 'Please Don't' is a great song.

'Push The Button' is an energy surge lasting just over two minutes. The song gets a slight psychedelic 60s vocal harmonies sheen over it, while rocking away, with the same pointy, energetic guitar solos, somewhere between solo and huge rhythm. Just two examples out of many I could give.

There's only one conclusion: traumahelikopter is back and not just for the fun of it. Save Yourself is huge and perhaps the best they've done so far. It takes some comparing to conclude that for sure. One thing is for sure, Iggy's 'Every Loser' already has a strong contender for best alternative rock / punk rock record of January (and who knows beyond).

Wout de Natris

You can order Save Yourself here:

https://excelsior-recordings.com/products/traumahelikopter-save-yourself