Album review overview: Leprous, Lia Kohl and more

Dozens of new albums arrive at Maxazine’s editorial staff every week. There are way too many to listen to them all, let alone review them. It ensures that too many albums are left behind. And that’s a shame. That is why today we post an overview of albums that arrive at the editors in short reviews.

Drunkelweizen – Pioneers of Alcohol

Drunkelweizen is an American band that describes their style as “Drunken Folk Metal.” Their debut album, “Pioneers of Alcohol,” is set to release on September 6. The lyrics focus on historical (legendary) figures whose lives were intertwined with alcohol. After the instrumental “Moonshine Overture,” the album moves into “Robinhood of Moonshine,” a tribute to a folk hero who opposed whiskey tax laws. This track begins with slow grunts and features historically inspired folk elements. The vocals and grunts are deep and raw, with an unexpectedly calm and atmospheric instrumental section. The sampling, as in “Draining the Cask,” adds significant value. Throughout the album, the balance between metal and folk is well maintained. The overall experience is a blend of rebellious, wild, and joyful sounds, enhanced by robust soundscapes. The calmer sections provide stability, and occasionally, the “Drunken Folk Metal” carries a serious undertone. The alternation and combination of high and low tones are well executed, as are the transitions between raw/clean vocals and grunts. Drunkelweizen is an absolute mood-setter, whether at festivals, in venues, or at home. Some parts simply beg to be shouted along with. (Esther Kessel-Tamerus) (8/10) (Independent Production)

Lia Kohl – Normal Sounds

Lia Kohl’s album “Normal Sounds” is a unique listening experience that transforms everyday sounds into musical art. Instead of traditional instruments, she uses field recordings like dog barks, elevator noises, conversations, and traffic, reminiscent of Kraftwerk’s innovative approach. The first track stands out with subtle Irish influences, featuring a violin that adds a melodic layer to the otherwise minimalist sound. The cellist plays with whatever is at hand, sometimes leading to delightful results, as in “Ice Cream Truck, Tornado Siren,” where the German traditional “Wanderlust,” by Florenz Friedrich Sigismund from 1847, unexpectedly makes an appearance. Kohl blurs the line between music and ambient sound, making the album an interesting, albeit occasionally challenging, listening experience. While it may not be for everyone, “Normal Sounds” is a fascinating experiment in redefining what music can be. For fans of experimental music, this album is intriguing, but how many of those are out there… (Tobias Brown) (6/10) (Moon Glyph)

Paris Paloma – Cacophony

This week, emerging British artist Paris Paloma released her debut album “Cacophony,” a promising follow-up to her singles like “my mind (now),” “drywall,” and the global hit “labour,” which went viral on TikTok. With 15 tracks ranging from tender and touching to powerful and fiery, “Cacophony” offers a captivating mix of dark pop, folk, and indie, with Paloma’s voice sounding like a modern-day mythological siren. The album draws from mythology and art history, exploring themes such as love, loss, and power, with lyrics that connect past and present. Paris Paloma continues to enchant her audience with her emotional depth and powerful music, and “Cacophony” provides a unique opportunity to discover a voice that embodies the allure of a mythological siren. A successful album, and it’s clear that her upcoming tour will sell out quickly. (William Brown) (8/10) (Nettwerk)

Leprous – Melodies of Atonement

Leprous has once again delivered an impressive piece of work with their new album “Melodies of Atonement.” Although the band began as a progressive metal band, their sound continues to evolve, now encompassing a rich blend of prog, metal, pop, and film music. “Melodies of Atonement” builds on this evolution, offering a refined production that highlights every nuance of their versatile sound. The opener, “Silent Alone,” immediately sets the tone with dreamy melodies that subtly nod to Swedish rockers Pain of Salvation. This track, like the rest of the album, showcases the technical skill and compositional sense for which Leprous is known. Einar Solberg’s voice is impressively powerful and emotionally charged, particularly evident in the track “My Specter,” where his vocal range and expression truly shine. “Melodies of Atonement” is an album that is as challenging as it is accessible. It is a beautifully arranged work that continues to explore the boundaries of progressive music. This album is a must for fans of the band and anyone who loves music that is both melodic and complex. Leprous once again proves that they are masters at creating immersive sonic landscapes. (Jan Vranken) (8/10) (Insideout Music)

Coco & Clair Clair – Girl

The new album “Girl” by Coco & Clair Clair leaves a mixed impression. With nine tracks of clear DIY quality, the duo attempts to expand their signature lo-fi pop-rap style further. While their earlier work like “Pretty” and “Wishy Washy” offered a fresh and original approach to the genre, “Girl” unfortunately fails to capture that same energy. The beats often sound uninspired, and the melodies feel childish, which some might find charming, but here it detracts from the duo’s potential. The production lacks depth, and the vocals sometimes appear unpolished, which does not enhance the listening experience. While the project may inspire other creative souls to make music online, “Girl” mainly lingers in a realm of immature experimentation. It may be an interesting listen for fans of lo-fi and DIY music, but it lacks the sharp edge and sense of innovation that once made Coco & Clair Clair so compelling. This album shows the darker side of the internet, where the danger of mediocrity looms. The cover of CSN&Y’s “Our House” is a joke. (Jan Vranken) (3/10) (Nice Girl World)