Jännerwein - Abendläuten.

  • Label: Heimatfolk.
  • Year: 2008.
  • Style: Neofolk.
  • Format: CD.
  • Note:
  • Score: 74%

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The Austrian martial one-man project NEULAND changed name, sound and grew to a three-piece neofolk band called JÄNNERWEIN. Now, their first album is released, via Heimatfolk. Their sound is very strong and rustic, corresponding well with the cover art, but it might not come as a surprise for anyone who's into the scene. Their BELBORN- and STURMPERCHT-esque folk has some interesting spices from the south, north and western European folk musics, but over all, it sometimes feel as we've heard these songs before. Of course, one more time around couldn't hurt though, so I'm responding nothing but positive on these 13 tracks. Most of them, that is. The band consists of Max, Benjamin and Peter, playing quite a nice bunch of instruments, both expected and some more unexpected, like the block flute and bouzouki. The tracks are though pretty much based around acoustic guitars, drums and atmospheric electronics, and vocals are provided by all three of the gentlemen. Three great singers with interesting voices and I think the vocals has an important part in lifting this album up above the norm.
The quality of their product "Abendläuten" is high, I must say. It's a hit parade all the way from the wonderful three-part intro to the end, with some minor flaws in between. Instead of pointing out the high-lights, I'll try to do the contrary this time. Like the DEATH IN JUNE cover* "The Grass is Always Browner" ain't very interesting with its tired guitar strums and out-of-tune-drums. Also, "Abendgebet", a remnant from the NEULAND era kind of interrupts the picture with its martial and rather flat sound. But these tracks aside, it's a fine neofolk album, performed with great skills, lots of passion and the right spark that many bands fail to capture. For sure interesting if you're into what usually comes out from Ahnstern, and Heimatfolk as well.

*Douglas P of DEATH IN JUNE wrote the lyrics for this track, and gave them away for free to anyone whoĠd like to use them. To call it a cover is maybe not correct, since it never was recorded by DEATH IN JUNE.

Tracklist:

  1. AbendlŠuten
  2. Klage
  3. Instrumental I
  4. The Grass is Always Browner
  5. Sturm
  6. Vereinsamt
  7. Den Berg Empor
  8. Wehmut
  9. Burian
  10. Instrumental II
  11. Bei GedŠmpftem Trommelklang
  12. Abendgebet
  13. Ausklang

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