KORALREVENS KLAGESANG

This album has several layers to it, a varied style with complementing elements. There's the "having fun", playful and humorous attitude that is in the roots of the melody. This might remind some Samla Mammas Manna, Ensemble Nimbus and Miriodor on one side; if not in sound, then in style ("Snill Sang Pa Band" where there is also some jazz thrown in). This particular aspect of their music is also in the spirit of Canterburian bands such as Hatfield And The North and one should simply listen to "Vintervake" with Richard Sinclair singing to realize it. In several tracks ("Koralrevens Klagesang II ", "Kantonesisk Kantour") there is also a tinge of Zeuhl elements; listen to the throbbing bass line and the chant-like rhythm; at other times there is a clear (to me as least) reference to Univers Zero more ominous sounding UZ type chords are playing. But this is not at all the general sound of the album as those parts are less dominant and only form a part of a whole that is, as said above, diverse and more on the cheerful side. There is the more experimental side where the musicians "dare" play beyond the invisible line that separates Panzerpappa from the avant-garde bands and this attitude is found all throughout the various tracks embedded in parts of the tunes (a weird sound here, an exploratory bit there). But overall, I don't class Panzerpappa with the type of avant-rock bands that have a repelling effect on people not acquainted with it. This is, as said above, more in the "tradition" of the SMM "school of RIO" (while taking influence from other RIO bands as well) and the Canterbury "sound". It is quite accessible (at least I think so) and very melodic.

Now, let's say I am in such a mood after a day's work or on Sunday morning that I want some music that will bring a good feeling to my heavy burdened mind and distract me for some time from my troubles. Then this album would be an excellent choice. From its starting thumping rhythm on the second track to its beautiful melodies ("Kantonesisk Kantour " and "Vintervake" are essential listening) and then to the complex, diverse and well structured closing tracks, this album is a delight to listen to. It also has a great flow to it, and a good track ordering.

Another great thing about the album is the varied instrumentation used by the talented musicians. Each one is listed with several instruments on the cd cover and you hear the rich sounding result in the album. "Kantonesisk Kantour" is a good example of such track where the band uses a lot of the "arsenal" at their disposal.

There is no compromise of melody in favour of experimentation, show of complexity or anything of that sort (and vice versa). The impressions that I have when thinking of this album, are its striking well crafted melodies, its instrumentation and appealing song structure, complexity and variety. I get the feeling that the band members were having a great time playing those compositions. Maybe it's because of the nature of the music, but I get the sense that they are having fun while being submersed in the tunes (granted, this is perhaps the case with many bands. or maybe not.).

So, overall, this is quite the varied album, and while those bands mentioned above are influences and good point of references, the music has its own identity, its distinctiveness and own characteristics. Moreover, there is a groovy feeling in some parts that make you move to the rhythm (Koralrevens Klagesang II and Kantonesisk Kantour are two good examples).

I'll pick just one piece of music from this album to focus on: If I had to pick just one tune from the album that perhaps not represents Panzerpappa best, but it is the one I enjoy most, then Kantonesisk Kantour is the obvious choice. Varied in instrumentation and in styles played throughout the track, beautiful and captivating melody, catchy chorus line, excellent musicianship, complexity of song structure, originality, creativeness - what more can you ask in one piece of music?

This album has grown in a short time to be one of my favourites. It is an album that cheers me up, makes me see a brighter side to life (which for me is something that rarely happens); an album that fills me with the joy of listening to music. To make you understand how much I love this album, I'll give this example: this is an album that I would miss very much and get depressed if I was told I could never listen to it again. Is it clear enough?

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