The album "Pocketrock" from DONOTS shows how last year's experience (a year in which, by the way, they played more than 120 gigs) has made a mature band out of the Punk rockers from Münster, Germany.
But let's go a long way back: The Donots played their first gig in a barn in Ibbenbüren on the 16th April 1994. From the current line-up, the band at that time consisted of singer Ingo Knollmann, his brother Guido and Jan-Dirk Poggemann. Together with two other boys, they formed a band who were much too young to learn a golden rule of the music business: Don't ever cover bands whose songs you can't play half decently! But that's what they did, and it was the first time that their band name made sense: To do not. The Donots! Shortly after that, they gave their first own titles a chance by recording their first demo. The reaction of the big record bosses of this world to their hopeful mailing action was mostly: "I can't hear any hits...!" Nevermind, that's what they thought and carried on, unaffected by this experience. Donots, clearly! In 1995, Eike Herwig became their new drummer; in 1996, their new guitarist Alex Siedenbiedel enriched the band not only acoustically, but also optically because of his long d readlocks.
The team was ready. From then on, they worked even more, which was rewarded by a contract with GUN Records / Supersonic. In 1999, the release of the Supersonic debut "Better Days Not Included" caused a sensation for the first time - not only in and around Münster! We just mentioned the numerous gigs. So let's go back to the introduction:
At the beginning of this year, they were expected to take the next big step. By April, Ingo & Co. got 14 songs off the ground, which are really solid, arse-kicking and nevertheless 100% Donots. They promise! They engaged Fabio Trentini as producer, an expert who did a good job in every respect which is certainly also due to his production of the latest Guano Apes album. "We have been supported, provoked, advised, motivated, caressed and praised by him. Fabio is a very experienced man in dealing with sensitive musicians (...), he deserves a big thank-you!" ,the Donots sing his praises. Well, the result is called "Pocketrock" and is really something to be proud of.
They haven't changed anything, they remain true to their style, they play Punk - nothing more, nothing less!. The opener "I Quit" points the way. The track is straight and ends before it has even begun. This means that you will be carried away by the tune if you listen to it twice. We probably needn't explain "Whatever Happened To The 80's"; this track speeds up, inviting you to bawl along. If you think that the third track slows down a bit, you're wrong. "Superhero" is another potential hit with a chorus that is impressive because of its beautiful harmonies (the ones someone like Trentini likes to produce). Two further candidates for singles are either "Today" or "Room With A View" that together with another bunch of great songs sums up "Pocketrock" to one of the strongest melodic punk albums in a long time.
Source: http://www.burningheart.com/bands/donots/donots.html
