RIYL: Andrew Bird, Tom Waits, Nat King Cole
Reluctantly amplified acoustic treatments of melancholy? Sorrow, despair, and the alcohol which helps one cope? Absinthe parties? If making no secret of your urgent need for antidepressants counts as a clever PR strategy, Erich Von Kneip may be onto something. Luckily, the songs on his solid 2007 debut CD “A Collection of Abject Musings” don’t seem to perfectly reflect his state of mind, which is probably a good thing.
A Los Angeles transplant of German heritage, Von Kneip and his motley backing band resurrect an early 20th century jazz vibe on many of their tunes, employing stand-up bass, trumpet, violins, and musical saws to create a sultry lounge mood that draws listeners into a trance of the best kind. Von Kneip showcases a milky croon very reminiscent of Andrew Bird throughout the album, and has a real talent for translating his world-weary demeanor into beautiful harmonies and “musings”.
The album alternates between slow and fast numbers. On the opener, “Love is Menacing”, Von Kneip holds sway with only an acoustic guitar accompaniment as he warns listeners to be careful of winding up on the wrong side of love. ”Never let your guard fall down/ Or you’ll wind up in a shallow unmarked grave/ On the outskirts of your town” seems like pretty good advice no matter the antagonist. “Funeral for a Romance” moves into more scintillating jazzy territory, transporting us to a dimly-lit Casablancan scene with gypsy violins and beautiful vibraphone atmospherics.
Von Kneip has a real knack for conveying the pent-up passions of unrequited love, and hits satisfying emotional notes throughout most of the album, crafting an engaging set of songs unlikely to disappoint most listeners.
The album closes with a relaxed cover of Irving Berlins “Blue Skies”, with Von Kneip gently mining the familiar refrain “Blue Skies shining on me/ There is nothing but blue skies that I see.” He pads it with some irony, but its still an encouraging choice, indication that for some peoples woes, music remains the best medicine.
—————————
For More Information Visit
—————————
http://www.erichvonkneip.com
http://bitemarkrecords.ning.com
http://www.tinderboxmusic.com
