Review Summary: If it wasn't so short, I would of probably given this a 4/5 rating.
Neun Welten is a dark traditional neofolk band from Germany. Neun Welten (which means ‘nine worlds') brings to mind every aspect of nature, forest, and aspiration with their dreamy, dark melodies and classical elements. The atmosphere is usually very calm but builds tension with song progression. As a five piece outfit, Neun Welten manage to put on an orchestration of harmonious folk music using an acoustic guitar, cello, violin, flute, clarinet, drums, and a Jewish harp. There are no vocals, simply solid instrumentation throughout this thirteen and a half minute EP. In 2005, after releasing their second EP
Valg, the band was nominated the German Folk Award for best newcomers to the scene. I can only say this EP would be much better if they had more then just 3 songs to offer, since thirteen and a half minutes isn’t what you would call satisfying.
Members
Anja Hövelmann - Flute, Clarinet
Aline Deinert - Violin
David Zaubitzer - Acoustic Guitar, Cello
Marten Winter - Drums
Meinolf Müller - Acoustic Guitar, Jew's Harp
The music itself is very impressive, with acoustic passages and beautiful atmospheres created by the violin and the cello. The drums are sort of a minor instrument, used mainly to build tension in the songs to the climax before they end smoothly.
Valg is easily the best of the three songs, with a great foundation and song structure as well as personality. The music really speaks to you even though there are no vocals nor lyrics. The song has a very natural vibe to it, especially with the flute.
Nebel Land, the second track and second longest, is a tad sloppy compared to
Valg, mainly in the guitars. The song has some beautiful violin and flute playing and has a solid tribal drum underlining faintly with the rest of the music. Overall the song has a slightly more happy vibe to it and even some catchy violin and guitar riffs.
Wald Quell is mostly a guitar dominate track, and plays more as an outro to the short two songs then an actual standout track. The use of the Jewish harp with the guitar marks the most significant part of the song’s structure. Though not a bad track, is greatly overshadowed by the other two.
If you like neofolk bands such as Sol Invictus and Tenhi, then you may like Neun Welten. Also, if you like to be able to listen to something and close your eyes for a good thirteen minutes, then you will like
Valg. Solid instrumentation is the band’s foundation of the band’s current ‘small’ success. It’s worth a listen.
