Popscheiße by Neurepublik

The first efforts were, shall we say, interesting. Years passed, proficiency increased, the Casio made way for superior kit, and the name changed (from “The Republic” to “The New Republic” to “Neurepublik”).

By the end of the twentieth century, Neurepublik, aided by that new-fangled internet contraption, had begun to get some notice. After several releases with names like “Just Another Blonde”, “Shades Of Black”, and “die Zukunft von elektronischen Musik”, the 1999 EP “ein war einmal…” started getting Neurepublik some respectable attention. The track, “Way Out” made it’s way onto a number of radio play lists, and the infamous “hidden” cover of the Bauhaus classic “Bela Lugosi’s Dead” became something of an underground club favorite.

Encouraged by this, Neurepublik followed with “Electro Chakra Therapy” the next year. “Unlimited Power”, a consistent fan-favorite came from this EP, as did the brooding “Hidden Sanctuary”. The latter track, a nod to the internet-based collective of musicians organized and maintained by the celebrated dark music enthusiast, Mike V.

It was about this time that the Neurepublik live show came into being. Offers to play were coming in and Jeff realized that it was time to add some personnel. His fiancée, Jannice, was an obvious choice for keyboardist, with her wonderful collection of vintage Korg and Ensoniq equipment (and a radio DJ as well). It was a demo CD sent to Jannice’s radio station that secured Brad’s slot in Neurepublik history. A gifted and versatile guitar virtuoso, Brad brought a fresh spin to the evolving Neurepublik sound. Indeed, the new members worked out so well that all the original songs from the two previously released EPs were reworked on the 2001 release, “Gotik Neuromantik”, which also featured two of Brad’s original songs reborn as Neurepublik compositions.

The band started touring in 2001, playing many shows, including Gothcon and Convergence. By 2002, “Ostentatious” was released, featuring a full album of new songs including “All Hallow’s Eve”, “Crying Alone”, and “The Vampire Skank”. Neurepublik tracks showed up on several compilations, including “Trinity Volume One: Hidden Sanctuary”, and “Jaded”. Instrumental versions of Neurepublik songs also made their way into the soundtrack of the indie film, “Luvrgrl”. By 2004, the band went on a well-deserved hiatus.

In 2006, Gustav Von Bunbun, celebrated producer and fan of the band’s work, contacted the band and offered to produce their next album. With all the band’s previous efforts being self-produced, they jumped at the chance to work with a professional of his stature. Along with his brother and partner Misha, the Von Bunbuns helped Neurepublik to maximize their potential into the diverse yet consistent compositions that would become the “Popscheiße” album.

“Poscheiße” is an example of cross-genre to the nth degree. The synthpop-tinged “Yesterday”, the new wave influenced “Lover Girl Zwei”, the beautifully intricate instrumental “February”, and the cathartic SI anthem “Fine” all illustrate the multiplicity of the Neurepublik experience. It is an album that begs to be played repeatedly and will appeal to both listeners familiar with their earlier efforts and listeners new to the band.

Neurepublik is:

-Jeff Crowell (vocals, programming)

-Brad Johnson (guitars)

-Jannice Larkin (live keyboards)

email: info@neurepublik.com

web: www.neurepublik.com & myspace.com/neurepublik

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