The band was already established in 1994 by Rümenapp, Ude and Poschwatta, when the vocalist Sandra Nasic joined later that year. They recorded 3 demo tapes, but their career took off in 1996 after winning the Local Hero contest for unsigned bands. They used the prize money for recording their first hit "Open Your Eyes" and shot a video for that song. They also signed to GUN/Supersonic Records.
"Open Your Eyes" was released as a single (#5 GER) and was followed by their debut album Proud Like a God in 6 October 1997. The album ranked #4 and it was certified platinum in Germany. Two other singles helped the album's popularity and sales: "Rain" (#76 GER) and "Lords of the Boards" (#10 GER). "Lord of the Boards" is performed as the closing song on every Guano Apes concert.
In 1999, they issued the stand alone single "Don't You Turn Your Back on Me" (# 50 GER).
In 2 May 2000, Guano Apes released the sophomore album, Don't Give Me Names. This #1 album in Germany was certifed gold in the same country and it was promoted by four singles: "Big in Japan" (#9 GER, #5 IT), "No Speech" (#75 GER), "Living in a Lie" (#84 GER) and "Dödel Up" (#57 GER).
In 2001, the band credited as Guano Babes featuring Michael Mittermeier, issued the stand alone single "Kumba Yo!" (#3 GER).
Their third album Walking on a Thin Line was released in 3 February 2003. The album peaked #1 and it was certified gold in Germany. Guano Apes released three singles from this album: "You Can't Stop Me" (#10 GER), "Pretty in Scarlet" (#51 GER) and "Quietly" (#51 GER).
After the very long promo tour to the WOATL album, the band decided to take a rest for a while. In 2004 they issued a Best Of album titled Planet of the Apes and the single "Break the Line". The band broke up after a final tour in February 2005. A year later, their label released the compilation Lost (T)apes, which contains previously unreleased demos, originally recorded in 1994 and 1995.
Dennis Poschwatta formed the crossover band Tamoto with his friend G-Ball and released the album Clemenza. Henning Rümenapp worked for Horus Studios in Germany. Sandra Nasic released her solo album The Signal in 2007. In 2006 Dennis, Henning and Stefan formed a new group with singer Charles Simmons, called IO. IO realeased their studio album For the Masses in 2008.
In 2009 Guano Apes reformed and played some dates including Enterro da Gata (Portugal), Rock am Ring (Germany), Nova Rock (Austria), Woodstock Festival (Poland), Sofia (Bulgaria), Bucharest (Romania). In Bucharest, Sandra announced the band is working on a new studio album.
Their fourth album Bel Air was released in Spring 2011, preceded by the single "Oh What a Night".
Official site: http://www.guanoapes.org
Allies
Guano Apes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The city is on
I'm feeling good
A rebel is born
Since the tired class isn't serious
We start laughing obvious
It feels so fine
When there is no doubt
To emerge the sound
Since the hired mass is notorious
The tragedy it self is calling us
The big dog walks the street without his allies
And I don't let him go
The big dog lost the street and all his allies
And I want him to go
It's not enough
To stand in the dark
While they play off
In the crack of the door
Since corruption plays all tricks on you
You shouldn't go to far
Someone is watching you
Oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh you'll soon be mine
You'll soon be mine
The big dog walks the street without his allies
And I want him to go
The big dog lost the street and all his allies
And I want him to go
They cannot hide the signs
They cannot hide all signs
So come on and lets go
The song, Allies, by Guano Apes, is a passionate anthem of rebellion against the corrupt powers, particularly the government, which ignores the people's needs and serves only the interests of the rich and powerful. The first verse describes the singer's elation at the prospect of a rebellion- 'I'm feeling good...A rebel is born.' She then mocks the apathetic 'tired class', who seem to have no real interest in change, and encourages people to laugh in the face of oppression. The chorus emphasizes the strength and confidence that comes from standing up to the powers that be- 'It feels so fine when there is no doubt...To emerge the sound'. The second verse is a warning against becoming too reckless in one's defiance- 'You shouldn't go too far, someone is watching you.'
The bridge section of the song is particularly powerful, where the singer describes the corrupt powers as 'the big dog', who has lost all his allies, and yet the singer refuses to let him go. 'The big dog walks the street without his allies, and I don't let him go.' This can be interpreted as a metaphor for the corrupt government, which has lost the support of the people, and yet continues to hold power through force and oppression.
Overall, Allies is a strongly political song that encourages people to stand up for their rights and fight back against tyranny. It highlights the importance of solidarity and strength in the face of oppression, while also warning against becoming too careless in one's defiance.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm feeling good
The singer is feeling positive and optimistic about their current situation.
The city is on
The city is lively and active; there is a lot of energy and excitement in the air.
A rebel is born
The singer sees themselves as a rebel who is standing up against the status quo.
Since the tired class isn't serious
The artist believes that those in power are complacent and not taking their responsibilities seriously.
We start laughing obvious
The artist and their allies find it amusing that those in power are not doing their job properly and are able to see through their facade.
It feels so fine
The singer is enjoying the sense of freedom and empowerment that comes with going against the norm.
When there is no doubt
The singer is confident in their beliefs and actions, and experiences no uncertainty or hesitation.
To emerge the sound
The artist wants their voice to be heard loud and clear, and for their message to resonate with others.
Since the hired mass is notorious
The artist recognizes that those in power are using their authority to manipulate the masses and maintain control.
The tragedy it self is calling us
The artist believes that the negative consequences of a corrupt system are becoming increasingly apparent, and that more people should be motivated to speak out against it.
The big dog walks the street without his allies
The powerful and influential figure is attempting to assert their dominance without the support of their usual followers.
And I don't let him go
The artist is determined to challenge the big dog's authority and resist their attempt to control the situation.
The big dog lost the street and all his allies
The powerful figure has lost their grip on the situation, and their followers have abandoned them.
And I want him to go
The singer has no interest in working with or being controlled by the big dog; they want them to leave and relinquish their power.
It's not enough
The current situation is unsatisfactory and requires further action.
To stand in the dark
The artist cannot simply remain ignorant and inactive when it comes to issues of corruption and abuse of power.
While they play off
Those in power are able to manipulate the situation to their advantage, playing on people's fears and weaknesses.
In the crack of the door
The singer sees an opportunity to take action and make a difference, even if it is small or limited.
Since corruption plays all tricks on you
The singer recognizes that corrupt individuals will stop at nothing to maintain their power and control.
You shouldn't go to far
The artist acknowledges the risks and danger of standing up to those in power, and cautions against going too far or getting oneself in trouble.
Someone is watching you
The artist is aware that their actions are being monitored, and that there may be consequences for challenging authority.
Oh, oh, oh
An emotional exclamation that expresses urgency or intensity.
You'll soon be mine
The singer is confident in their ability to make a difference and achieve their goals.
They cannot hide the signs
The signs of corruption and abuse of power are becoming increasingly visible and difficult to ignore.
They cannot hide all signs
Even if those in power attempt to cover up the signs of their wrongdoing, some will inevitably be exposed.
So come on and lets go
The singer is encouraging others to join them in standing up against corruption and abuse of power. They are ready to take action and make a difference.
Contributed by Elena W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.