Still playing catch up, but this was only released last month. (Curiously, tomorrow I review The Danse Society then on Sunday it’s Regan & Bricheno, a hat trick of current glories by past heroes and heroines!).
Everybody got into quite the tizzy when first we heard ‘Rabenschwarz’ from this album, and rightly so as it’s a stunning, sturdy, stomping shock. It’s also by far the highlight here, but this is a rewarding listen throughout, and casually compelling because it’s truly modern. Not just modern, but far-sighted, because you’re not listening to anything and comparing it to other artists. There are no recognisable studio themes here, no software-inspired tropes. This is individual.
Given that there’s no lyrics to study I wasn’t bothered by the fact it was originally inspired by a book, and was more struck by the often graceful vocal poise. You would have been hard pressed to even identify Anja as the vocal culprit, singing in English, in opener ‘Skuggornas’, a refined glide. By total contrast ‘Rabenschwarz’ is stoked by vicious drums and guitar, flaying the very air that surrounds it. If you wondered if she’d still have attitude you won’t be worried after hearing this.
‘Pariah’ is a cute jumble, lightly playful, then steely and steadfast, with a bubbling chorus. ‘Exit’ lopes and slopes, somewhat clunky, an angry electronic stew. ‘O Wald’ is far milder, tingling quietly but pretty boring. ‘Zwischenwelt’ is slow, spacey and flutters attractively but is also fairly lightweight. We hit quality again with the devious, peppery ‘Sleep With One Eye Open’ and the eager linear throb of ‘Living In The Forest’. Then ‘Hideaway’ seems to follow directly on lyrically, but it’s a light, airy and underwhelming as a conclusion.
So not perfect, but it’s great to see her back, and let’s hope there’ll be more soon.