Lo & Leduc: New Album & Criticism of Swiss Military Service
Lo & Leduc’s new album, “Krise als Chanson,” arrived today, March 27th, and with it, a pointed critique of escalating calls for a return to mandatory military service. The Swiss duo, Lorenz Häberli (Lo) and Luc Oggier (Leduc), aren’t shying away from politically charged themes on their latest release, and are framing the current moment as one demanding a reevaluation of priorities.
The album’s release coincides with a surge in debate surrounding reintroducing conscription, particularly in Germany, a topic Lo directly addresses, especially now as a new father. “I can’t understand how people who have children themselves can advocate for the reintroduction of compulsory military service,” Lo stated in a recent interview with 20 Minuten. “It just doesn’t compute. They’re the same ones talking about a peace dividend and how young people need to give something back to the state.”
A Shift in Language, A Consistent Message
“Krise als Chanson” marks a significant stylistic shift for Lo & Leduc, as it’s the first time they’ve recorded an entire album in standard German (Hochdeutsch). While the reason isn’t explicitly strategic – Leduc notes it simply “broadens our playground and takes us outside our comfort zone” – it signals a desire to reach a wider audience with their message. The album’s title itself is a deliberate twist on the common phrase “crisis as opportunity,” reframing the narrative to acknowledge the crisis itself, rather than immediately seeking a positive spin.
This isn’t a band known for avoiding tough conversations. Their music has always been rooted in observation and a willingness to challenge conventional thinking. But the urgency feels heightened on “Krise als Chanson,” responding directly to a global climate of increasing instability and a renewed focus on national defense. The single “Loyalty x Many Men” is a particularly potent example, directly confronting the resurgence of what they observe as a harmful “macho” mentality.
Beyond the Battlefield: Valuing Care Work
Leduc’s perspective extends beyond the immediate issue of military service, highlighting a broader societal imbalance in how different forms of contribution are valued. He points to the disparity in length between military service and civilian service (Zivildienst) in Switzerland, arguing that care work is at least as vital to society but receives significantly less recognition. “Holding onto military service just due to the fact that generations before us did We see a bad argument,” he said. “I want to contribute to society, but not in the military.”
This sentiment is echoed in their questioning of where resources are allocated. Lo points out the hypocrisy of concerns about who will avoid service, referencing reports that Donald Trump’s grandchildren will likely avoid combat, highlighting a clear class divide in who bears the burden of conflict.
Utopian Visions and the Power of Anonymity
Despite the album’s serious themes, Lo & Leduc aren’t advocating for despair. They acknowledge the daily reasons for pessimism but also seek out “magical moments” and incorporate them into their work. This is reflected in a song where they imagine police officers at protests removing their helmets and joining the demonstrators – a deliberately utopian vision. “It sounds naive, but if we take such a utopia as a reference point and move in that direction as a society, we’ve at least chosen a different path,” Leduc explained.
Their commitment to individual freedom extends to the digital realm. While acknowledging the downsides of online anonymity – Lo wryly compares the lack of accountability in online spaces to the state of public restrooms – Leduc firmly opposes mandatory identification requirements for internet users, recognizing the importance of protecting privacy.
From Aversion to Articulation
Neither Lo nor Leduc have personal experience with conscription, with Lo admitting his past avoidance stemmed more from “a strong feeling of aversion” than political conviction. Although, their current stance is clearly articulated and deeply considered. They’re not simply rejecting the idea of military service; they’re questioning the underlying values and priorities that drive the push for it.
The album cover, featuring dancing military figurines, encapsulates this duality – a playful image juxtaposed with a serious message. It’s a reminder that even in the face of crisis, there’s room for imagination, for questioning, and for choosing a different path.
What’s Next for Lo & Leduc?
While there’s no immediate tour schedule announced, the release of “Krise als Chanson” marks a new chapter for Lo & Leduc. The shift to standard German opens up potential performance opportunities in German-speaking countries, and the album’s politically charged themes are likely to fuel further discussion and engagement with their audience. The duo’s willingness to confront complex issues and challenge conventional wisdom suggests they’ll continue to be a vital voice in the Swiss music scene – and beyond. You can find more information about Lo & Leduc and their music on Europesays.com and 20 Minuten.