Confrontation and introspection share the same record on the latest from MELONBALL. Germany’s fast-rising punk band return with their second full-length, ‘Take Care,’ out now via Thousand Islands Records in North America and Rookie Records in Germany. It’s their most expansive and emotionally direct work yet, connecting urgent political themes with deeply personal moments while pushing their fast, technical sound into new territory. Listen here.
The album moves confidently between the external and the internal. “129” takes aim at the criminalization of left-wing activism, while “Exist” confronts the fragile reality of self-determination. “Garbage Day” and “Bullshit Revolution” deliver fierce, clear-eyed takedowns of right-wing ideology and political complacency. Against those, songs like “The Static” and “Back To My Gut” explore emotional uncertainty, self-reflection, and the tension between comfort and growth, giving the record real balance and depth.
Musically, MELONBALL stay rooted in their signature blend of speed, precision, and melody, but ‘Take Care’ opens up the arrangements, letting atmosphere and feeling carry as much weight as sheer momentum. Multifaceted guitar work and intricate rhythms collide with sharp hooks and memorable choruses, while a deliberately raw production keeps everything immediate. Vocals arrive with minimal post-production, emphasizing urgency, honesty, and presence.
Serious without ever turning defeatist, the album channels energy, clarity, and the joy of resistance. Its message stays simple and direct: take care of yourselves, take care of each other, and above all take care of those who can’t do it on their own.
MELONBALL have built their standing through relentless touring and high-energy shows. They’ve played festivals including Ruhrpott Rodeo, Manchester Punk Festival, Mighty Sounds, Mission Ready, Punk Rock Holiday, and Music 4 Cancer, and shared stages with A Wilhelm Scream, Punk Rock Factory, Authority Zero, Belvedere, Lagwagon, The Iron Roses, and ZSK. Following a 2023 UK tour and a 10-show run across Eastern Canada in 2024, they kept the momentum going with 2025 tours alongside The Iron Roses and Satanic Surfers, averaging roughly 40 shows a year, and picked up the GUNDA Pop Culture Award in 2025.
Their debut album ‘BREATHE’ arrived in 2023 via Thousand Islands Records and Lockjaw Records, followed by the acoustic EP ‘eup•nea’ in 2024. ‘Take Care’ marks their most versatile, emotional, and politically direct release to date. The band is Oli (vocals), Basti (guitar, backing vocals), Vik (guitar, backing vocals), Jens (bass), and Tommy (drums).
‘Take Care’ Track List:
Silence = Compliance
Ignite
Ally Or Alibi
The Static
Architects of Comfort
Garbage Day
129
Toxic Routine
Exist
Tolerance for Ambivalence
Bullshit Revolution
Back To My Gut