Tuesday, September 14, 2010

REVIEW: Zazie Von Einem Anderen Stern - Regen:Tropfen

8.5 out of 10

On October 5th, 2010 "Regen:Tropfen" (aka "Raind:Drops"), the debut album from Zazie Von Einem Anderen Stern (aka "Zazzie From Another Star) will be released via Drifting Falling. The interesting thing: Drifting Falling generally focuses on Shoegaze/Dream Pop/Indie Electronic sounds. Zazie is the first Neo Classical artist, as well as the first female musician to be released via this amazingly underrated label. The music: "Found sounds" with comforting/delicate atmospheres produced by piano and broken voice. Fans of Nils Frahm, Peter Broderick (with whom she's collaborated with), Max Richter, and Ólafur Arnalds; this one is DEFINITELY for you.

A quick quote from Maike Zazie: “All sound and tone, also silence… All that my ears are able to absorb, has a melody.” If you can "absorb" that quote, you know exactly what you're in for. "Regen:Tropfen" is a unique album. Although the genre/sounds within are familiar, there's something unique amongst the elongated tones and hidden noises/messages. In-general piano carries the melody along, but, if you (truly) focus on the background, it's the samples/noises/human experiences that carry the piano. So truly, all sound/tone/silence IS the melody. Ms. Zazie has a way with creating the most hauntingly brilliant minimalist structures. And out of their cold "absent-lifed" tone's she brings warmth, profound beauty, and overall understanding of the importance of each and every "small aspect" from life as we know it. To simplify: if you like the sounds of Glockenspiels, Cello, Violin, Piano, field recordings, and broken hearted/delicate vocals ..you need this album in your life (now).

This album is gorgeous/nigh perfect. Piano lovers, Virginia Astley lovers, lovers of beauty your celestial chariot awaits you. This is most likely my favorite Neo Classical release of the year so far. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Standout Tracks: I love the entire atmosphere of this one, it's hard to pull one from another. Morgen, Raum Ohne Zeit (oh my.), Regentropfen (great vocal track), Im Juli, Zwischen Meinen Händen..

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