WERKRAUM

"Kristalle"

Ahnstern - 2006

mini CD

 

Revealed by its participation to selected very limited samplers and by the striking debut "Unsere Feuer Brennen!" on Cold Spring, Werkraum has carved its name among the most inspired neofolk artists, those still worth a listening in a lately quite predictable and repetitive scene. Axel Frank has already shown uncommon ability in mastering both the epic and introspective aspects of the acoustic folk matter, achieving different but always outstanding results. "Kristalle", released by Allerseelen's Ahnstern, is an EP with six compositions plus one ghost track, born from the collaboration with other very representative bards.

Opening "Queen Mab", adapted from a poem by Thomas Hood, features Nicholas Tesluk of Changes on vocals, and is a delicate and intimate ballad, as pure and fragile as a drop of dew. Following "Crystals", with the voice of Lady Morphia's Nick Nedzynski, is the more classic neofolk tune of the set, fast and epic, and will be of particular delight for fans of early Ostara. "Hoerne" is a magic instrumental of ancient charm and beauty, which leads the listener directly into the deep of the woods. "Wunder und Dorn" is a wonderful pagan chant, with strings and flutes graciously dancing along Axel's and Antje's immaculate voices, and so is "Ornament", which uses a text written by lutenist John Dowland, also known as "The English Orpheus". Robert Taylor of Changes offers his deep and powerful voice on the last composition of the CD, "La Fée Verte", of reflexive and atmospheric beauty. A final ghost track emerges from the silence after a while, saying farewell to us with a tiny carillon and German spoken words.

Werkraum proves again its ability to adapt traditional folk music of Celtic and Germanic heritage to modern days, easily avoiding every stereotype and cliché associated with what goes under the definition of neofolk. If you loved "Unsere Feuer Brennen!", don't miss "Kristalle" and any forthcoming release by Axel Frank's band.

- Simon V.

 

Website: http://www.werkraum.org

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/werkraum

 

 

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