Search - Faun :: Renaissance

From Light to Renaissance

John R. Harford | United States | 06/01/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first saw Faun in 2004, at Germany's underground music festival: The Wave Gothic Treffen. I had only heard a bit about them in terms of being "folk" musicians. When they took the stage I found myself immersed in a world of ancient Bacchic rites.



The lights dimmed. Electronic bass and sampled woodland sounds slowly filled the vast darkness. Violet lights revealed a figure crouched ritualistically over an altar fit for any Bacchic rite. As the electronic atmospheres rose and finally broke in a crest of color and sound, the acoustic quartet were fey and ethereal. They wove a romantic, energetic, and lush sonic tapestry: dark yet warm - dreamy yet earthy. All the while an ambient soundtrack helped the group take us on a journey to a wild and powerful place.



The title of Faun's latest album, Renaissance, references revelation, rebirth, and coming into the light. And on this album, the band surely accomplishes this feat. While Licht (en: Light), their previous album, remains a masterpiece in its own right, there seemed to be a very conscious distinction between the electronic and the acoustic. Renaissance makes this blend nearly seamless. The timing and flow of the electronica plays with and enhances, not against the variety of ethnic and antique rhythms.



Satyros and Iyansa energize. They are proof that even without the amps and pedals of electric instruments, well performed music is no less driving. The beautiful vocals punctuate the carefully plotted percussion, woodwind and string melodies. You will want to get up and dance.



Konigen and Das Tor are moody and emotional ballads that lead the listener through a drifting maze of audible light, shadow and color. They are complex and sometimes sorrowful yet not at all depressing or maudilin.



Faun continues to lead us through their vision of an ancient world. But not only European melodies are present: we hear some amazing Caribbean influenced drumming as well as a very classic Celtic dance song in Rhiannon.



While I highly recommend all of Faun's music, Renaissance shines as perhaps their most complex and subtle album to date."

Excellent Folk-Rock-Goth-Medieval

V Layne | 11/04/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is stylistically a cross between the Medieval Baebes and Broadside Electric, but with more medieval instruments. Faun sings both historical works with a modern folk-rock edge and original works -- and hybrids.



Renaissance is an astonishing achievement in that it has no weak tracks. Faun manages the trick of being both moody and catchy. From the ecstatic "Satyros" to the mellow "Das Tor", each piece is presented with conviction and thoughtfulness. I'm particularly impressed with the rich and varying instrumentation; Faun uses texture very well.



All in all a very impressive, fun, and satisfying album."

Faun is excellent

Vox Mortem | Wichita, Kansas, USA | 05/12/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Celtic / German blend. I like all kinds of music, from the Stones to classical. This has quickly become one of my favorite celtic-type albums. Beautiful and harmonic. Highly recommended!"