"Return to the Boots" - The BossHoss honor their hometown
The Berlin-based band, The BossHoss, are set to release their anniversary album "Back to the Boots" this Friday. Consisting of Alec Völkel (53) and Sascha Vollmer (53), the band has been creating a unique blend of American influences and German craftsmanship for two decades. The new album marks two decades since their debut album. It is a testament to their enduring love for the United States, despite the second term of US President Donald Trump. The band frequently travels to the US for inspiration, and their music evokes the scent of American country roads, motor oil, and whiskey for much of its length. One of the standout tracks on the album is "Lunch", a sultry number that showcases the band's distinctive sound, a product of their own creativity, not solely influenced by the United States. Another highlight is the humorous number "German Angst", which takes aim at German clichés like planning obsession and caution. The band's idea for the album was conceived at a bar in Berlin. They have included powerful numbers like "One More Time", "Win Win", and "Showdown" on the album, which could heat up the mood at their upcoming concerts. The tour, starting from late September, will see the band touring through German clubs, similar to their early years, to feel close to their fans again. A unique feature of the album is the inclusion of Arnold Schwarzenegger. He speaks the iconic "Terminator" line "I'll be back" for a song on the album. R&B legend Dionne Warwick also contributes to a new version of her hit "What the World Needs Now Is Love" on the album. The band decided not to cover the Johnny Cash classic "Ring of Fire" due to it being a few cowboy boot numbers too big. Instead, they created a rock version of Willie Nelson's famous country song "On the Road Again" for the album. Vollmer states that the new album "Back to the Boots" means: Back to the Fans - direct, loud, and unadulterated. He believes that America will eventually become "reasonable" again, expressing a hopeful sentiment about the current situation in the United States. Despite viewing the current situation as strange, the band still sees the country as great. The band's self-burned CDs were initially distributed among friends. This DIY approach reflects their commitment to their fans and their desire to maintain a close connection with them. The BossHoss' "Back to the Boots" is an album that celebrates their two-decade journey, their love for music, and their love for their fans.
