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Windzeit is the first full length album by Forseti, the neofolk project of Andreas Ritter. Before this, the 10" Jenzig had appeared (which was also rereleased on CD). Forseti has leapt forward with this album. Where Jenzig contained decent folksongs that didn't leave a lasting impression on me, Forseti has really developed an own style with Windzeit, which makes for an album full of beautiful, varied folk songs.
The songs are based on vocals and acoustic guitar, but each track is supplemented by, for example, backing vocals, violin, flute, accordeon and/or percussion. I will highlight a few tracks that appealed to me in particular. The album opens with the up-tempo "Verzweiflung", a catchy track with as lyrics a poem by 19th Century Romantic author and poet Ludwig Tieck. Further on the album are poem by Herman Hesse ("Welkes Blatt") and Ricarda Huch ("Einsamkeit"). "Wind" is also a faster track, and it has a very nice guitar and violin melody. The percussion that appears later in the track adds extra variation. "Herbstabend", of which the lyrics were written by Uwe Nolte (Orplid), is a calmer track, with again a beautiful melody and violin. "Abendrot" is relatively open and warm, compared to the other tracks, among other things because of the accordeon and percussion. A nice twist between otherwise melancholic songs. The closing track "Black Jena" features none other than Douglas P. (Death in June) on vocals. It is a calm track with a slow development and beautiful melody. The songs I've chosen are pretty much a random selection, because the other are very worthwhile as well. Another good aspect of Forseti is Andreas' natural way of singing. He has a neutral voice that doesn't distract from the music, and that doesn't bore quickly. The emphasis is therefore on the music, and not only on the vocals as with some other projects.
Forseti's Windzeit was a new impulse to the neofolk scene, by presenting its own, well-executed style. The CD-container of dark green carton is also very stylish. If you are able to get the limited edition box set of this album, there are two nice extras in the form of the Raunen 10" and Europa 7", which contain extra (live) tracks. Windzeit is a true gem of the folk genre, and a must-have for anyone who loves quality varied and original music.
D.M.K.
The songs are based on vocals and acoustic guitar, but each track is supplemented by, for example, backing vocals, violin, flute, accordeon and/or percussion. I will highlight a few tracks that appealed to me in particular. The album opens with the up-tempo "Verzweiflung", a catchy track with as lyrics a poem by 19th Century Romantic author and poet Ludwig Tieck. Further on the album are poem by Herman Hesse ("Welkes Blatt") and Ricarda Huch ("Einsamkeit"). "Wind" is also a faster track, and it has a very nice guitar and violin melody. The percussion that appears later in the track adds extra variation. "Herbstabend", of which the lyrics were written by Uwe Nolte (Orplid), is a calmer track, with again a beautiful melody and violin. "Abendrot" is relatively open and warm, compared to the other tracks, among other things because of the accordeon and percussion. A nice twist between otherwise melancholic songs. The closing track "Black Jena" features none other than Douglas P. (Death in June) on vocals. It is a calm track with a slow development and beautiful melody. The songs I've chosen are pretty much a random selection, because the other are very worthwhile as well. Another good aspect of Forseti is Andreas' natural way of singing. He has a neutral voice that doesn't distract from the music, and that doesn't bore quickly. The emphasis is therefore on the music, and not only on the vocals as with some other projects.
Forseti's Windzeit was a new impulse to the neofolk scene, by presenting its own, well-executed style. The CD-container of dark green carton is also very stylish. If you are able to get the limited edition box set of this album, there are two nice extras in the form of the Raunen 10" and Europa 7", which contain extra (live) tracks. Windzeit is a true gem of the folk genre, and a must-have for anyone who loves quality varied and original music.
D.M.K.