Based on the indie sound aesthetics of the 80s by bands like The Smiths, Orange Juice, Cleaners from Venus and influenced by lyrics of German bands like Tocotronic they’ve released two self-published EPs in 2020 ("Die Zärtlichkeit", "Die Zärtlichkeit II"). Both EPs unexpectedly found national and international appeal in indie pop circles:
“It’s truly an impressive EP that will be on my playlist for a while yet.”
Records I Like (Blog, UK)
“Some very good jangle pop coming from Cologne in Germany.”
Cloud Berry Records (Label Blog, US)
“Morrissey vocal inflections with all the bombast removed by the juxtaposition with Sarah Records style fluttering jangle.”
Janglepophub (Blog, South-Africa)
German indie label Kleine Untergrund Schallplatten around Ronny Pinkau also became aware of Die Zärtlichkeit and their very first 7 inch single is now available: “France Gall / Montagmorgen” (05/14/2021).
Kaiju
Die Zärtlichkeit Lyrics
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Geplatzte Träume, Schutt und Asche
Ferner noch die Aussicht auf ein wenig Spaß
Wieder trampelte ich nieder
Was man Liebe nennt
Schwarzweiß und kuntegrau
Als Kaiju, das man kennt
So herrlich sonderbar
Die schlimmsten Teenage Ängste
In meiner DNA
Was ich mir eingestehe
Flasche Werte, Skrupel viele
Eher noch die Absicht auf ein wenig Drama
Alle Zweifel, alles Schräge
So herrlich sonderbar
Die schlimmsten Teenage Ängste
In meiner DNA
Alle Zweifel, alles Schräge
So herrlich sonderbar
Die schlimmsten Teenage Ängste
In meiner DNA
Alle Zweifel, alles Schräge
So herrlich sonderbar
Die schlimmsten Teenage Ängste
In meiner DNA
Alle Zweifel, alles Schräge
So herrlich sonderbar
Die schlimmsten Teenage Ängste
In meiner DNA
The lyrics of Die Zärtlichkeit's song "Kaiju" explore themes of broken dreams, chaos, and the complexities of love. The opening lines, "Was ich dir hinterlasse, geplatzte Träume, Schutt und Asche" (What I leave behind for you, burst dreams, ruins and ashes), symbolize the aftermath of a failed relationship. The singer acknowledges that they have trampled over what is commonly referred to as love, depicting it as something colorless and dull – "Schwarzweiß und kuntegrau" (black and white and colorless gray). The reference to "Kaiju," meaning a Japanese monster or giant creature, suggests that the singer embodies this destructive force in relationships.
The chorus, "Alle Zweifel, alles Schräge, so herrlich sonderbar, die schlimmsten Teenage Ängste in meiner DNA" (All doubts, all the strange, so wonderfully odd, the worst teenage fears in my DNA), highlights the peculiar nature of the singer's existence. They embrace the quirks, doubts, and fears that are deeply ingrained in their DNA. This portrayal suggests that the singer's personality is shaped by these intense emotions and teenage angst, leading to a unique outlook on life.
The repetition of the chorus throughout the song emphasizes the singer's acceptance and celebration of their unconventional self. By embracing their flaws and idiosyncrasies, they find solace in their own peculiarities rather than conforming to societal expectations.
Overall, "Kaiju" delves into the aftermath of a broken relationship, capturing the chaotic and destructive nature of love. It encourages self-acceptance and celebrates the uniqueness that comes from embracing one's flaws and fears.
Line by Line Meaning
Was ich dir hinterlasse
What I leave behind for you
Geplatzte Träume, Schutt und Asche
Shattered dreams, debris and ashes
Ferner noch die Aussicht auf ein wenig Spaß
Furthermore, the prospect of a little fun
Wieder trampelte ich nieder
Once again, I trampled
Was man Liebe nennt
What one calls love
Schwarzweiß und kuntegrau
Black and white, colorless
Als Kaiju, das man kennt
Like a familiar Kaiju
Alle Zweifel, alles Schräge
All doubts, all the oddities
So herrlich sonderbar
So wonderfully strange
Die schlimmsten Teenage Ängste
The worst teenage fears
In meiner DNA
In my DNA
Was ich mir eingestehe
What I admit to myself
Flasche Werte, Skrupel viele
Bottled values, many scruples
Eher noch die Absicht auf ein wenig Drama
Rather, the intention of a little drama
Alle Zweifel, alles Schräge
All doubts, all the oddities
So herrlich sonderbar
So wonderfully strange
Die schlimmsten Teenage Ängste
The worst teenage fears
In meiner DNA
In my DNA
Alle Zweifel, alles Schräge
All doubts, all the oddities
So herrlich sonderbar
So wonderfully strange
Die schlimmsten Teenage Ängste
The worst teenage fears
In meiner DNA
In my DNA
Alle Zweifel, alles Schräge
All doubts, all the oddities
So herrlich sonderbar
So wonderfully strange
Die schlimmsten Teenage Ängste
The worst teenage fears
In meiner DNA
In my DNA
Alle Zweifel, alles Schräge
All doubts, all the oddities
So herrlich sonderbar
So wonderfully strange
Die schlimmsten Teenage Ängste
The worst teenage fears
In meiner DNA
In my DNA
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Andreas Dédé Fischer, Merlin Engelien, Tobias Emmerich
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
WhiteLight//WhiteHeat
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Sven The Slacker
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Gabi Mac But
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