Instantly Fell In Love with this Middle Ages Rock Album!
M. Mierzwa | Davis, CA USA | 05/06/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"About the Band:
Faun is a German mittealter (middle ages) rock band, very similar in style to other well known bands such as Qntal and Corvus Corax. Making their debut in 2002, the ensemble of five musicians describes themselves as a pagan folk band. Though like Qntal, some of their songs incorporate modern electronics, the majority of their compositions are written around the use of traditional music and medieval themes. In addition to medieval instruments including the hurdy-gurdy, didgeridoo, bagpipes, celtic harp, various flutes, and countless types of percussive instruments, sometimes the band makes use of more modern stringed instruments such as the cello.
About the Album:
Released in 2007, Totem is the band's fourth full length album. On my first listening to the album, I was thoroughly captivated by fast pace and uplifting spirit of the songs and Lisa's and Fiona's lush German vocals (don't worry, the liner notes are written in both German and English). As somebody who owns and highly recommends their previous album, Renaissance, Totem is a strong showing that Faun is continuing to grow. I honestly felt that Totem was better than its predecessor, but if you find you enjoy this album I would also recommend also purchasing Renaissance as well.
Though the credited lyrics to several of the tracks are given to famous poets including Homer and J.v. Eichendorff, the arrangements in Totem are really the product of the group's frontman, Oliver Sa Tyr. O.S.Tyr also provides the male vox.
What I liked most about this album was the diversity in tracks. All too often bands are compared to Dead Can Dance. While I think that is the best way to introduce new comers to the heavenly voices and world music genres, since Totem offers so many different sounds within the scope of one album, it might be better if I tried to compare individual tracks to other similar artists in the genres. First, the heavy use of electronics in contrast to strong female vocals in the second track, "2 Falken", really reminded me of "Vogelefluc" from Qntal's Qntal IV: Ozymandias. The O.S.Tyr's vocals and the mix of instruments used in next track, "Sieben", really reminded me of "Monsalvato" from Irfan's self-titled album. One of the biggest surprises for me was placing a connection between the fifth track, "Tinta", and Concrete Blonde's "Darkening of the Light" from Bloodletting. The connection between these two tracks is they are both a bit downbeat and have a similar melody. "KaRun" is truly a short, dance friendly medieval piece that will appeal to Estampie fans. My favorite track, "Gaia", prominently features both Lisa's and Fiona's voices at the same time in an arrangement as already suggested will appeal to fans of Loreena Mckennitt or fans of other German heavenly voices bands such as Love Is Colder Than Death or Das Zeichen.
Recommend Tracks:
- Gaia
- 2 Falken
- Tinta
"
Amazing new album
Peter Nordstrom | Sonora, CA United States | 03/16/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've never listened to Faun before purchasing this album. I was intrigued b/c it is compared to Qntal and Loreena Mckennitt and I like those two artists. Faun is a very serious, heavy, fast paced (for the most part) metal sounding celtic music with a good beat, rhythm, and vocals. Male and female vocals, traditional celtic sounding. These guys are professional and I recommend for anyone that likes that kind of music and is looking for good quality stuff. My favorite bands are Tool and Skinny Puppy so this is a little stretch for me, but I like good music :)"
Unusual and evocative
Barbara L. Mundell | whidbey island wa | 11/04/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I loved this one! Its odd and beautiful and powerful and delicate...very enjoyable. Very hard to categorize...if you like history, unusual instruments, medieval moments and spiritual surprises, fantasy and science fiction books and art, this one might just be for you!"
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1