Profile Me – ‘Lone Wolf’ EP

Profile Me  – Frankfurt, Germany.

Hailing from Frankfurt in Germany, Profile Me formed in 2009 and after being inspired by the California Punk and Pop-Punk scenes. They came together as a four-piece, who following their inspiration, set to work. Notably, within their number they feature GoRampage’s bassist, Felix Steiner.

Now, you may remember our feature on GoRampage and their fantastic Prog/Punk/Metal/Alternative amalgamation, as we featured it a little while ago. Where we were introduced to the band the band and my good friend Felix.. If you missed it then you can find it here.

Right, on with things. Profile Me collectively produce a melodic yet engaging, punchy Pop-Punk sound that leans more towards the more 90’s and ‘traditional’ side of the genre. Despite this statement, it would be unfair to say that they don’t pull in the sounds of the current movement as a fan of any or all-of-the-above will find something that pleases their ears. The influences on the bands sound include the following:

‘Yellowcard,  Samiam,  Descendents,  No Use For A Name,  Anti-Flag,  NOFX’

^ Cheeky GoRampage tshirt there Felix.

It is no surprise then that with this EP and indeed the band’s general releases, that you hear aspects of legends the Descendents, No Use For Name, NOFX and Yellowcard. What you essentially get are elements of Punk Rock and Skate Punk creeping through. This is mainly on the EP (to be reviewed below) as the earlier releases combine both this and slightly poppier elements of say – early Yellowcard and the softer side of NUFAN, NOFX and the Descendents. Either way, a good set of influences.

If you like the sound of those influences the band have shared stages with both fellow German and international bands such as Useless ID, Nothington, Uncommen Men from Mars, Polar Bear Club, Mute, Jupiter Jones and Smile and Bur. I’ve actually seen both Polar Bear Club and Useless I.D and they don’t disappoint.

Lone Wolf:

The EP kicks off with it’s title track. ‘Lone Wolf’ brings us in with driven rhythms and memorable hooks. Medium in pace with a low bass, we’re led in with something of a flutter on the lead guitar. Track one is classic Pop-Punk for the most part. Elements of Yellowcard and even Anti-Flag in the backing vocals can be heard poking their heads round the door. Plus a cheeky dig at society is never a bad thing. A good start.

‘So come on and stand out from the crowd’

‘I don’t know should I laugh or cry, so many people do comply. No hopes, no dreams but just in time’

‘Reality’ incorporates the bands strong socially concious Punk lyrics with a slightly harder sound and the knack for a hook-laden chorus outlined in track 1. Lyrically, it is fantastic. It is something of cliché way to describe the song but it really hits the nail on the head. I shan’t ruin it. Ok, a few words…

I had a conversation with the band recently about ‘Reality’. The song depicts what the band sees in the district in Frankfurt where their vocalist resides and the rest of the band experience regularly. It is their reality and the reality of big city life, the dark corners, dodgy deals, crime, drugs, violence. This often forgotten and may seem rare, but it is a very important, yet we know more of the contrasting suits, ties and banks. A highlight of the release by far.

Track 3 beckons us to its sonic compositions with an intro found on the rockier side of modern Pop-Punk before we are sent back into the driven chugging and rhythms of Profile Me’s set up. On the whole, a slower track, as number 3 deals with the escapades of dear Johnny who appears to have gone of the rails somewhat. Lyrically, track 3 is relatable and as hook laden as its predecessors.

‘Memory Lane’ breaks us in with fast melodic slab of Punk-Rock, before picking up the pace and launching us into a lament to former memories, good times and the subjugation of working, and indeed modern life, cast upon it. To an extent, living fast is a condition of modern life; things don’t last sadly. Living fast and having fun is a different matter all together.

Live and survive but there is nothing wrong with looking back and reminiscing on what made you smile. Profile Me hit the nail on the head once more with a track that is as well written as ever, and hits us with both the harder Skate-Punk rhythms and the band’s perfectly executed choruses. Plus, there’s a great and abstract refrain/solo, there too.

‘Still trying to keep my ideals in times with glittering appeals. Which promise to make you big. Why don’t you realise this trick? So when did you forget to reflect? There’s no reason to be perfect! The world drives more and more insane and I trip down memory lane’

Finally we have ‘Fuck this’. A track that does what it says on the tin – Christ, I really am full of clichés today. It’s either that or bad jokes… Anyway, ‘Fuck This’ is another fast blast of modern Punk in its intro, and like the previous track, shows off the band’s harder influences whilst still holding true to their signature sound. Lyrically, it follows on perfectly on from the issues hit at on ‘Memory Lane’ sometimes you have to say ‘Fuck this we’re out’ and get on with it, to put it bluntly.

‘A State which wants our reference, to change the system and retrench. It’s up to you to innovateeeee. ‘Cause they run voiceless throughhhh, the streets and ignore youuu, unable to see social wrecks’

There we have it, the latest from Germany’s Profile Me. And what an EP it is! If you’re a fan of 90’s Punk and Pop-Punk then get it. If you like Skate Punk, then get it. If you like the Tony Hawk games… then get it. Musically Fresh give Lone Wolf  8.5/10

They really are a great bunch of lads. I was speaking to Felix recently as we always converse with bands and artists to see if they want any specifc information on releases included etc… When I informed them I had began writing this review, this was the response… on their way to a gig.

The EP is avaliable for listening on Spotify and available for purchase via iTunes and of course at the band’s gigs. Also, if you are interested in the older material, the 2010 EP Lights Out On Mainstreet is available for FREE buy simply clicking here to start the download.

Find the band on Facebook and Myspace.

#StayFresh

‘The world drives more and more insane and I trip down memory lane’.