Jahrtal – William Blake: Lieder Von Unschuld Und Widerfahren.
- Label: Ahnstern.
- Year: 2009.
- Style: Psychdelic Acoustic Folk..
- Format: CD.
- Note:
- Score: 83%
“William Blake – Lieder Von Unschuld Und Widerfahren” is the title of the new JAHRTAL album that saw daylight when the actual daylight started to surrender for the ninth time this millennium.
You don’t have to think long before you understand that these songs Ewald and Christine recorded this time, are somehow based upon the works of William Blake. The album has 10 song; 10 Blake-poems, translated into German by Ewald himself. The songs are divided into two parts, the Unschuld (Innocence) and the Widerfahren (Experience) part.
Music-wise, JAHRTAL’s psychedelic take on German neofolk continues. And I have a hard time trying to say something about this album that I didn’t already say about “Lichtbuch” (2007). It’s comfortable, mellow, warm and true, without ever being utterly unique nor very original. It’s a bit of IN GOWAN RING and a bit of FORSETI, acoustic guitars, flutes, sitars and drones in perfect harmony with Ewald’s natural, and Christine’s angelic, vocals. It moves from minor, to major, but is neither extremely dark or euphoric.
My humble analysis might give you the impression of an every-day-album, but this is, listen closely now, a damn strong release, despite the lack of originality and all.
I sometimes miss a couple of things from “Lichtbuch”, like the long, dreamy instrumentals, but instead, we get some very catchy choruses this time. I also miss an instant hit, (let me refer to “Wilhelm von Winsburg”), but in exchange we get more than a handful above-average, bordering to wonderful tracks, making this album a more even listening experience, like the neofolk song “Nacht”, that could be compared to a more mature and experienced DARKWOOD (or any other guitar based German neofolk). It starts with a sitar, which immediately sets a certain mood that I really fancy, but later takes a guitar turn, and it’s something striving over the whole song. Mighty.
Out of the brighter, more easy going song, I’d like to put “Das Hallende Grün” in the spotlight. A wonderful, laid back melody, very nice instrumentation, a warm mood, and Ewald’s voice, that is so easy to bring to your heart. And even though you might not know a tad German you will still believe every word he sings. But I’m sure you’ll find your own personal favourites in this collection of 10 tracks of fine folk balladry.
Recommended primarily for those who has taken interest in JAHRTAL before, secondarily for fans of German neofolk and in third place to anyone else with an ear, and a heart, open for true and natural acoustic music.
