The new album by Der Tollwuetige Kasper (Arne Pahlke's side project) "welcomes us into our lives" - in a life that we shouldn't feel too happy or privileged to be living... I will not refer to the technicalities concerning this particular musical style - others have done that much better than I ever could - but I will approach this work subjectively and emotionally, based on my impressions after repeated listens of Manchmal kommen sie wieder.
This is an album out of this world... Music that comes from an unknown, seductive universe, and the voice of a mermaid or a fairy, with an almost archetypal sound that speaks directly to the heart.
First of all, the cover is wonderful - both the composition and the colours set perfectly the mood for what is about to ensue... And what ensues is one more panorama of Arne Pahlke's familiar themes and stylistic explorations - this time with more emphasis on the voice and the acoustic arrangements, relying on guitars and the discreet presence of virtual instruments for the most part.
Interesting blend of voices, with an echo of something between Nina Persson and Tracey Thorn - not the kind of female voice that appeals to me personally, but with a very distinct timbre and colour that enhances the atmosphere of the songs. Their lower notes are sweet, showing perhaps the real "character" of the voice. Ethereal guitars and keyboards, robust but not overwhelming percussion. The lyrics are beautiful, some of the melodies "difficult" enough to make a difference.
An almost entirely acoustic album, relying heavily on guitars. The voice is a very beautiful hybrid of Brian Molko and Kurt Cobain (mostly Molko, especially in the way the voice "slides" on the notes in Angel's Fly), with an edge of its own and a remarkable expressiveness and flexibility. The lyrics are some of the best I heard lately, conveying powerful, dark emotions.
After his rather self-explanatory album Fuck the War (which included a little jewel entitled Butterflies), Ralph Buckley makes a spectacular comeback with an album that bears a deceptively colourful cartoon figure on the cover, and the equally deceptive title cocoa krispies & lucky charms.
A pretty but somewhat disturbing cover, a mysterious title... and twelve beautiful acoustic ballads, with very nice lyrics and a voice that caresses the ears. The fragility of the fallen doll on the cover is reflected in the sensitive melodiousness of the songs.
Dreamy melodies ranging from jazzy to ambient-electro. The voice is beautiful, warm and sensual; the slow-moving rhythms and almost whispered words have a calming, soothing effect. Dysphoria is an ominous note in the heart of the sweetness, a menacing but not unwelcome agitation of the waters.
Besides being the stunningly mature and elaborate work of a young prodigy, Music of Youth by The Melchiades Estrada Band constitutes also a historical point of reference for digitally composed music, since the medium used for the creation of these tracks (Protracker on an Amiga) is now obsolete. But the artistic value of this work is undeniable as well, demonstrating the composer's absolute mastery of his material and means.
Well, in fact this is a single that doesn't take itself too seriously, and for me at least, the cover is a clear indication of that. It's sensual in an ironical, self-deprecating way, and all that pink (strawberry and stuff) gives a note of exaggeration which I dare say was intentional.
