Rockin' the Scene: Drangsal's Audacious Transformation In Album Comeback
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Solo Venture: Drangsal starts a new chapter with an album project - Solo project shifts to band format - Drangsal delays album release titled Neustart
Tired of treading the same musical path, Max Gruber gave his solo project, Drangsal, a kickstart and morphed it into a formidable trio. In an exclusive chat with the German Press Agency, he opened up about his motivations and the making of their fresh album. Here's a glimpse:
After churning out three albums solo, Gruber yearned for a change of pace. "I needed someone to bounce ideas off of" - otherwise, we may end up with the same old vibe, he confessed. And so, Drangsal went from solo act to a threesome, complete with Lukas Korn, a former bassist in Drangsal's live band, and Marvin Holley.
Together, they crafted the album "Aus keiner meiner Brücken, die in Asche liegen ist je ein Phönix emporgestiegen." Let's see how this newborn collaboration pans out!
Sounds and Stats:
- Genre: The album flaunts an indie rock sound that's layered with seventeen riveting tracks - clocking in at 58 minutes and 39 seconds.
- The Melodies: Expect a complete musical switch-up, as most tracks feature a piano, strings, or an acoustic guitar, nudging away from the typical synth sound that you could've sworn came straight from the '80s. Choruses are implemented sparingly here, though danceable indie rock tunes like "Bergab" and "Die satanischen Fersen" have their space.
- Rhythms and Runs: The album exhibits versatility, with every song boasting multiple facets. One fast-paced indie rock number is succeeded by a slow ballad adorned with strings; an acoustic guitar unexpectedly morphs into a shrill electric guitar midway through a track, only to slide back to its original tempo shortly after.
Themes and Tales:
- Lyrical Logic: Drangsal sticking to its roots is evident in the lyrics, still penned solely by Max Gruber. As always, the poetry is laced with both melancholic and dreamy undercurrents. However, these somber tones can be balanced by a tinge of gallows humor - as emphasized by Gruber himself. Take "Bergab, es geht Bergab!" for instance, where he seems downright cheerful.
- Language Barrier: Drangsal continues to maintain its bilingual character, with Gruber crooning in English in no less than four tracks.
The Inputs and Insights of Max Gruber:
Gruber's vision was for his new bandmates Korn and Holley to infuse fresh musical inspiration. But initially, it was a struggle for him to accept these new ideas, as he shared in the interview. "It was an emotional extra effort for the two of them to convince me to let go," Gruber said. But in the end, they triumphed. "I gradually began to accommodate the new musical impulses," Gruber divulged. In fact, the Sleep Deprivation of creating the earlier three albums may have finally caught up with him! He admitted to nodding off during parts of the album production, possibly symbolized by the song "Ich hab von der Musik geträumt" that they've already released a teaser for.
Standout Tracks:
Although the title "Aus keiner meiner Brücken, die in Asche liegen ist je ein Phönix emporgestiegen" isn't included in the list, the intriguing phrase surfaces as a refrain in "Die satanischen Fersen," demonstrating earworm potential. "Funke & Benzin," however, encapsulates the entirety of the album's sonic spectrum. Amelodic electronica beat and strings are abruptly replaced by an alarm-like electric guitar riff, heralding the lyrics "How much they feed us, with every bite our appetite grows. Even if the Lord's hammer comes down on us, we want more" - a message that could easily be interpreted in the context of our response to the climate crisis.
If you're longing for a rehash of the '80s synth sound, "From None of My Bridges That Lie in Ashes Has a Phoenix Risen" may not quite hit the mark. However, if you've always admired Drangsal's musical versatility, this fresh album might just be your cup of tea. One thing remains constant - you can still boogie down to the Drangsal beats, even amidst the apocalypse, as Gruber puts it.
- The community can look forward to the vocational training offered by Drangsal, as Max Gruber, Lukas Korn, and Marvin Holley use their newfound collaboration to expand beyond music, possibly aiding in the development of local talent.
- To unwind after long days of vocational training, participants might find solace in the music of Drangsal, as their latest album, "Aus keiner meiner Brücken, die in Asche liegen ist je ein Phöénix emporgestiegen," offers a delightful blend of indie rock, presenting a sonic spectrum that accommodates both mellow and danceable tunes.
