Lebanon Hanover
Why Just Not Be Solo?
Fabrika Records
The aesthetics of
cold is back. This is the second LP from Lebanon Hanover in less than
a year. Maybe the first impression that you will get when listening
to this second album, is that they have achieved
a continuity (in
terms of quality), regarding their previous
work. That´s pretty positive, because “The World is getting
colder” is truly impressive. But if you listen to this second
record carefully; you will discover some remarkable progression and
new turns in their sound. The shynts are omnipresent; but this time
the record feels more oriented to the basis of bass lines and
guitars, maybe more dark and Post Punk Oriented. I feel that they are
totally free when creating their music; and they are very talented
and have the ability to give their interpretation of different
musical styles, in their own unique way and with majesty. “Saddest Smile”,
introduce us to
the experience of this “Why just not be
solo?” with
soft cadence. Larissa’s voice comes
accompanied by the leading bass lines, and by some smooth
drum-machine rhythm; the guitar has a flashing sound at the
beginning, and reaches a moderated crescendo.
This track is simply
captivating. “A very good life” has great rhythm: Driving bass
lines and a drum machine programmed to make you dance. The guitar and
bass rhythm has strong Gothic nuances, and the voice is giving the
cold touch here.”Albatross” is such a gem, a finely crafted track
that has some resemblance to the sound of The Cure’s “Seventeen
seconds “album.”I’m a reject “displays synthesized guitars
and attitude; the voice is contemplative and surrounding. This is a
perfect track for your favorite (and imaginary) radio station, if
aired at 2:00 AM. ”Cadaverously quaint” is the track more
oriented to the Minimal-Wave sound in this record. It’s really
atmospheric; this is the first track in which William sings. The
tones of his voice are really deep and strong.”Bring your own wine”
has a very special energy. Goth a la Lebanon Hanover?...Quite
possible!, what a brilliant track.”Northern Lights” is simply one
of their best songs: They reach high Peaks of intensity and emotion,
quite touching song.”No one holds hands” is a fusion of intense
dark Post Punk and Cold wave, William is again on the voice in this
one.”Why not just be normal” will capture your mind; you will be
under the spell for 2:36. It’s a perfect balance between the
electric and electronic sound.”Somehow we’ll get through this “is
a dark and somehow claustrophobic song; Larissa’s voice is like a
thread tied to the sanity and hope, while repeating the title of the
song over and over. The record ends in such a climatic and passionate
way with “Avalanche”.
They did it again:
Another impressive record, not a single dull song in this album.
Everything here is high quality stuff. They are growing
as artists and
have consolidated their
style, but at the same time; they came with
a twist on this second album. This work was produced by Larissa and
William and the result is something that you have to experience,
something that you have to listen and feel.
