Direkt was a Prague-based Oi!/punk band active between 1996 and 2004. Their album Odpočívej v pokoji (Rest in Peace) now stands as a posthumous relic of the band’s existence. But it’s not a compilation of old recordings dug out of the archives — the band briefly reunited for this occasion to record previously unreleased material, now presented in a fresh version with modern production quality.
The album is steeped in the early-2000s atmosphere — a time I remember well, having started diving into punk, hardcore, Oi!, and related genres shortly after the turn of the millennium. What gives it that strong retro vibe, rooted firmly in its era, are the themes it tackles: police shutting down clubs (Kluby), anti-clerical sentiment (Církev), and a deep frustration with trendy youth culture and a thoughtless mainstream (Disco). I’d also personally associate the era with songs opposing war or mandatory military service — though that’s more a reflection of my own listening experience back then.
Of course, there are also the classic themes: alcohol, sex, violence, and rock’n’roll (Páteční párty); pride in subcultural identity (Made in Fight); punks and skins united (Direkt); or political frustration (Národ). Violence is addressed directly in tracks like Aréna, Odplata, and Brut — the latter also calling out animal cruelty. Direkt takes a clear stand against neo-Nazis (Fašos, Nazi Scum), communists (Kluby, Fašos), and drug use (Disco).
The album kicks off with fast-paced and surprisingly melodic tracks. The lead vocals are often complemented by a second, rawer and more shouted voice. Song Disco includes a ska passage, but otherwise, this is straightforward Oi!/punk, heavily shaped by the Czech post-revolution punk school. The first five songs follow a similar pace and style, but the second side of the record brings more musical ideas. Starting with Brut — my personal favorite track — the sound becomes more varied, and the band shows greater dynamic range and atmosphere.
This release also brings back a flood of memories for everyone who was part of the Prague Oi!/punk scene back then — from constant clashes with boneheads to the pride of being part of the underground and resisting the mainstream.
The vinyl comes with a beautifully crafted design — the inner sleeve includes band photos and all the lyrics, something I always appreciate. Honestly, it’s a bit frustrating that this isn’t the debut of a new band, but rather a contribution to the museum of times that have changed dramatically since then. Back then, most people at shows were fifteen to twenty years old; today, it’s more like thirty-five to forty. But I love that Direkt addresses this too — reminding us that we can all still do something, and that nothing is lost yet.
Top tracks: Brut, Odplata, Direkt
BANDCAMP LINK: https://1url.cz/KJV6b
