We All Have To Start Somewhere – Ich Bin Ein Beginner!
Skiving’s second single from the upcoming album The Family Computer ‘Ich Bin Ein Beginner’ is a sharp dose of reality, reminding us that adulthood isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. The track narrates how as we grew up the world was promised to us on a silver platter, yet when it comes to divvying up those opportunities as adults, many of us are left wanting. Think back to school days spent being told “you can do anything you put your mind to”, dreaming of careers as astronauts, vets, or firefighters. For me, I wanted to be a bookmark designer as a kid (a bit rogue, I know). Now compare that with our current political, economical, social, and our literal climate. Who wouldn’t be resentful, and rightfully so? Through spoken-word quips and qualms Harry Handford, Skiving’s fiery frontman, vocalises the sentiments many of us share upon reaching adulthood. The apt release of ‘Ich Bin Ein Beginner’ follows their previous single “The National Lottery”, where Skiving first introduced themselves amid themes of naive self-certainty and impetuous aspirations. In sequence, the two singles represent a true to life coming of age, where we are left feeling underprepared and alone.
We first hear the sole sound of Matt Baker’s guitar, establishing the fast paced and punchy character of the song, which is quickly embodied by the rest of the ensemble. The verse itself begins with a reflection on how “the trouble then begins” immediately after birth and how quickly “I learned to use my bitterness before I learned to use my limbs”. Even in just the opening line, art-rock aces Skiving manage to capture the discontent modern life can bring, as well as how the resulting resentment becomes second nature as we grow. Playing together in unison, the band create a full sound that marches alongside the lyrics and Leo Dutton’s captivating bassline into the rest of the track.
Transitioning smoothly into the chorus after a short, descending arpeggiated break, we hear all the band members firing on all musical cylinders. Handford loudly declares “I’m baby, gimme what I need” to which the response is the collective assertion of “Ich bin ein beginner” from the other band members. What is seemingly a statement of admission is in actual fact a call to action: I’m a beginner, how come I can’t achieve my childhood dreams, even when I work till exhaustion? I’m a beginner, by which arbitrary metric am I going to have to measure up to, and how much of myself do I have to sacrifice to do so? I’m a beginner, why did no one tell me this sooner?
One moment in the bridge that particularly pricked my ears whilst listening was the lyric “Brace yourself against me, maybe we’ll escape the worst”, a more tender moment in an otherwise blazoned call to arms. High pitched and twinkling synth melodies accompany this more hopeful sentiment. Additionally, the once booming drums heard elsewhere in the song are replaced by Colin Olive’s more restrained use of the ride cymbal, developing more with each repetition. In times where so many aspects of life are described as ‘dog eat dog’, maybe instead of breaking our backs trying to step over others on all kinds of ladders, we could find some respite in thinking, working, and living collectively. With their signature sarcastic cynicism, however, Skiving caution listeners to “fit your own mask first”. Once again harking back to the seemingly inescapable reality of systemic competition and individualistic attitudes of ‘everyone for themselves’, the piss-poor result of late stage capitalism. As we begin to make this realisation for ourselves, the layers of instruments continue building into the final chorus, a dense arrangement of sounds that ignites into another moment of musical pandemonium showcasing Juan Brint-Gutiérrez’s frenetic saxophone skills.
Skiving has once again proved themselves as a force to be reckoned with., not only offering boisterous bangers that call out current issues, but also creating a community at their unapologetically ardent live shows. If you missed their recent show at Paper Dress Vintage Hackney last week, then you can still be sure to catch the release of their debut album The Family Computer on the 8th of January. Their music offers solidarity for those seeking a place in a world that seems increasingly at odds with itself. So whilst we all may be beginners, we all have to start somewhere.
Right: the back of the cross stitch panel, celebrating the work that goes into making art pieces such as this as well as art on the whole. Once again credit to Kate Weir for the artwork and image.
