Album review: Plizzken – “Do You Really Wanna Know?”

Features, Reviews

Pirates Press Records – 22 Mar 2024

Plizzken avoid the sophomore slump with a strong second record.

are the English language punk band of Sebi Stomper. The gravel-throated Sebi might be better known as the frontman of long running German street punk band Stomper 98. Plizzken dropped their excellent debut …And Their Paradise Is Full Of Snakes in 2021. It was catchy, melodic, straightforward punk with a slightly angry German edge. Do You Really Wanna Know? picks up where its predecessor left off, then strays even farther into new musical territory. 

Opener “On the Hunt” is a blend of classic oi and ‘90s skate punk. “One More Time” is such an earworm that you'll swear you've heard it somewhere before. “Nassau Nightlife” is a bit more menacing. “Memory Lane” and “Mad World” have a more emotionally open feel. “In the Mirror” is almost straight up hard rock. Side A closer “I Don't Wanna” is an atmospheric dance track with loud guitars. The loud dual guitars are generally front and center on Do You Really Wanna Know?, with the lead and rhythm parts playing off each other. 

The reflective “Life Won't Wait” opens side B. “Enough is Enough” starts out with some acoustic strumming before kicking into high gear. The music remains aggressive, even when the subject matter gets personal. “Off to Reality” is fast as hell with a memorable chorus. The title track is fairly representative of the Plizzken ideal. It acknowledges the gritty reality of life while espousing optimism. Sebi and company wrap things up with an earnest song about the things that matter most called “Me and My Friends”. 

Plizzken have another winner on their hands with Do You Really Wanna Know?. It's a record likely to appeal to punks from all walks of life. Fans of bands as diverse as Stomper 98 and Lagwagon will find plenty of things to like. It manages to be both musically and emotionally satisfying. 

For vinyl fiends: First vinyl pressing is 550 on black, 250 on electric blue with black and white splatter, 100 on gold and 100 on electric blue with glitter. Otherwise, the packaging is pretty basic but of good quality.