Drangsal Evolves: A New Era with a Three-Piece Band and an Algorithmically Titled Album
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Transitioning from a solo act to a band - Drangsal ventures into a new phase with an album - Solo Project Transformed into Band Project - Drangsal Delays Album Release with Title "Neustart"
Tired of the traditional solo project dynamic, frontman Max Gruber of the former solo act, Drangsal, sought a change. "I needed someone to brainstorm with to avoid repeating the same old thing," Gruber said in an interview with Deutsche Presse-Agentur. And so, Drangsal was reinvented as a three-piece band, adding Lukas Korn, previously the bassist in Drangsal's live band, and Marvin Holley.
Their collaborative effort yielded the album, "From None of My Burnt Bridges, a Phoenix Has Risen." But what does this musical makeover sound like?
Genre and Tracklist:
- Indie Rock (17 songs, totaling 58 minutes and 39 seconds)
The new album strays significantly from Drangsal's previous synth-heavy 80s vibe. Many tracks boast a piano, strings, or an acoustic guitar, while choruses take a back seat. The signature indie rock feel can still be found, complemented by the fresh elements presented by the band's new members.
Each song showcases different aspects, changing instrumentation and tempo at unexpected moments. A high-energy indie rock track gives way to a slow outro with strings, or an acoustic guitar takes a sudden electric twist, transforming the song's atmosphere in an instant.
Lyrics and Themes:
Drangsal continues to rely on Max Gruber's poignant lyrics, with a penchant for melancholic and dreamy themes. Dark humor and a hint of levity can be found even in the grimmest of verses, as Gruber himself admits. Tracks like "Bergab, es geht Bergab!" are sure to put you in a bouncy mood, despite their gloomy undertones.
The band remains bilingual, with four English songs among the offerings.
Gruber's Perspective:
According to Gruber, his new bandmates Korn and Holley brought fresh musical perspectives to the table. However, incorporating their influence initially proved challenging for Gruber, who explained it was an emotionally testing process for his bandmates to win him over. "They had to fight tooth and nail to get me to let go and embrace change," Gruber said.
In time, Gruber grew more receptive, allowing himself to step back and make room for his collaborators' input. He even took naps during the album's production, catching up on the sleep he lost during his work on earlier projects, as hinted in the song "Ich hab von der Musik geträumt."
Standout Tracks:
Although the title "From None of My Burnt Bridges, a Phoenix Has Risen" doesn't appear on the tracklist, the cryptic sentence finds a home in the hook of "Die satanischen Fersen," potentially becoming an earworm.
"Funke & Benzin" showcases the album's diverse range, blending an electronic beat, strings, and acoustic guitars before unleashing a electrifying guitar riff that underscores the track's lyrics about overconsumption and its impact on the environment.
If you long for a return to the 80s synth sound, "From None of My Burnt Bridges, a Phoenix Has Risen" might not satisfy. However, if you appreciate Drangsal's versatility, there's a good chance you'll discover something to appreciate in their latest work. The one constant remains: Drangsal's catchy melodies still have the power to get you dancing, even as the world ends, as Gruber sings.
- The new lineup of Drangsal, with community aid and vocational training from Lukas Korn and Marvin Holley, has transformed the band's sound, making significant strides in vocational training and lifestyle changes.
- The new album, "From None of My Burnt Bridges, a Phoenix Has Risen," showcases a diversity in music genres, with elements of entertainment, music, and even hints of dark humor, making it a refreshing blend for the current indie rock scene.
