Search - Adaro :: Schlaraffenland

Outstanding!

HR | Stockholm, SWEDEN | 09/04/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Once in awhile one comes across music that really means something, music that reaches one's soul. The German band Adaro makes such music.



This, their latest release, was the first Adaro CD I heard and what a great one it is! Their style is often described as medieval rock and it's actually interesting that such a synthesis can work out so well. Somehow, medieval harmonies and the power of rock music mix perfectly, especially in the hands of such talented people as Adaro. They are all very skilled multi-instrumentalists, and they also know how to put together great music. Every song on this CD is a masterpiece! The production is totally professional and makes for a complete success.



The texts are by different writers of the past, sensitively interpreted by the band. The lyrics could warrant a separate review.



Below I've tried to describe my own impressions of each song, but I'll probably hear new things even after a hundred listenings. That's how rich this music is. The songs are as follows:



Schlaraffenland - a light and joyful song with refreshing singing by Christoph Pelgen that gets into a nice interplay between bagpipes and Jürgen Treyz's guitars; makes me long for that Paradise land.



Wer alten Weibern traut - pure genius; aggressive guitars in a medieval setting, great bass by Henrik Mumm; something for Jethro Tull and Gentle Giant fans (like me).



Nu ruh mit Sorgen - very calm song, somewhat sad; wonderful mood emphasized by the angel like voice of Konstanze Kulinsky, and that of Christoph. Note also the beautiful mix of guitar and hurdy-gurdy. Further into the song majestic electric guitars come to the fore.



Lieg still - charming song with a colourful instrumentation.



Herr, wer hat sie begossen - splendid progressive rock, featuring a wide range of instruments and beautiful singing by both singers.



Es ist ein Schnee gefallen - lovely mood, touching harmony between the instruments and Konstanze's voice.



Minne ist ein süßer Nam' - again a perfect mix of hurdy-gurdy and distorted guitars; Christoph's singing nicely alternates with a wind instrument (low whistle?) and later a reed; beautiful and rocking at the same time, a bit funky at times.



Komm her zu mir - fast-paced, progressive rock with added violin.



Der Edelfalk - a fascinating song, with a somewhat ominous feel, but also a warm refrain; suggestive singing and spoken voice; it is mysteriously sounding through the ages. It's hard to describe, really!



Wohl dem Leibe - starts out with violins in a Nordic folk music fashion; nice singing by Konstanze, and note the backing vocals in the refrain; the guitar accompaniment keeps changing through the piece.



Frau, du sollst unvergessen sein - this one has a Celtic air about it; with Jörg Bielfeldt's unrelenting drumming making it fast-paced and upbeat.



Psalm XIII - quiet piece with guitar and voice nicely accompanied by strings; a proper ending of the CD.



To summarize, Schlaraffenland is life affirming and joyful - and simply a must have for anyone appreciating creative music, especially progressive/medieval rock. My only regret is that I didn't hear about Adaro long ago."