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Release date: November 24, 2016
Running time: 9:37, 3 tracks
Across the Border hail from Remchingen, Baden-Würtemberg (South West of Germany). The band was founded in 1991 and therefore they belong to the first wave of German Celtic/folk punk bands. They were the “black sheep” of the pack, since their music was not so Pogues inspired like that of In Search of a Rose, Lady Godiva or Waxie’s. Even if they weren’t a massive band like Fiddler’s Green or Paddy Goes to Holyhead, they shared the stage with the Oysterband, the Levellers, The Whisky Priests, Pressgang, Bleeding Hearts, Why? and Tofu Love Frogs. Between 1993 and 2002, they released 3 albums before calling its quits (“Hag Songs”, “Crusty Folk Music for Smelly People” and “If I Can’t Dance, it’s not my Revolution”) and 4 EPs (“Dance Around the Fire”, “… But Life is Boring Sir, Without Committing a Crime”, “This Guardian Angel” and “Short Songs, Long Faces”). A Best of and a live album followed in 2002 and 2005 and the band reformed in 2007. Then, a couple of albums were released: “Loyalty” in 2009 and “Folkpunk Air-Raid” in 2011.
Apparently, Across the Border disbanded in 2012, but they have just released a 3 track EP that folk-punk fans will enjoy: “Calling 999”.
The EP kicks off with the title track “Calling 999”. The song features the classic sound of the band based on accordion and fiddle and frontman Jochen’s (a.k.a. Jake) vocals.
The next track is called “Rob, the Man”. Once again, the sound is recognizable: uptempo folk-punk with a German folk twist. “The Musical Priest” tune has been added to the song. Anyway, it’s not old fashioned folk-punk, as it’s as enjoyable as their previous offerings.
To finish up, Across the Border deliver a song based mainly on piano and accordion. Maybe they are older, but they are wiser too. And they have not mellowed. Amazing number to close the EP.
“Calling 999” is the proof that after 25 years Across the Border are alive and kicking. Anybody wants a full album? Me too.
Track list:
1. Calling 999 02:33
2. Rob, the man 04:50
3. Sometimes 02:14
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Review by Kinksmarkham
