Die Roten Punkte (The Red Dots)
Die Roten Punkte are Otto and Astrid Rot – he likes to rock and she likes to roll, and they are the self-proclaimed best band in the world. Utilising unorthodox instruments and ample red lipstick, the pair exhibit their string of worldwide massive hits that apparently have the power to cure physical ailments. It really is a wonder how we in Australia have never heard of them…
The brother and sister duo, from Berlin, fight for the limelight and the last note during each song, displaying the childlike conflict that ultimately leads to one rather disturbing final battle, that may leave you stunned. While Astrid serenades a lucky male member of the audience, we are left to wonder if there is more to their tension than simple sibling rivalry, as Otto looks on in wide-eyed anguish.
You will leave with more than you went into this show with, as you’ll find it difficult to get their compulsive riffs out of your head. It’s most likely you will find yourself “na, na, na, na-ing” on the way out of the show, as I did. If so, there’s an opportunity to purchase their CD and other merchandise afterwards.
Their relationship strikes more than a passing resemblance to that of The White Stripes (Die Roten Punkte is ‘The Red Dots’ in German) but this show is more than just having a dig at them or the industry in general, however well it succeeds in doing so. You’ll be banging your head and tapping your feet all while witnessing the story of their brilliance and their humiliation play out in front of you on stage.