Album Review: Schöngeist - Woe!

The Wikipedia definition reads: "esthete - a person who devotes himself enthusiastically to the fine arts and less to everyday things." This suits the band well «Aesthetic spirit«, since its focus is the German-Turkish singer Timur Karakus, who is very concerned about aesthetics and this is reflected in the sounds, the singing and, above all, in the lyrics. On her new album «Wehe!» the aesthetes take another step in the direction of gothic, but they don't sound less, but more like pop than before. Nevertheless, the music still has more to do with Rammstein than with Unheilig. So gothic rock pop, with hard and sterile riffs, violin and electronic sounds. that etc Eisbrecher- and Megaherz frontman "Alexx" Wesselsky was involved in the creation of the title, of course, fits well into the picture.

«Aesthetic spirit» is sensitive goth rock with German lyrics and modern pop appeal, refined by many diverse electro elements. The band's lyrics are all about being human and about the rapid emotional ups and downs that each of us experiences. In 2006, Timur Karakus, who was born in Munich, founded his six-man band Schöngeist. Alright, six "man" isn't quite right, Henny Becker occupies the violin/keyboard position and she undoubtedly lacks the masculine traits. As a Bavarian with a migration background (his parents come from Istanbul), one thing was paramount for Timur. He wanted to create what seemed almost impossible and finally unite the Orient and the Occident, even if it was only musically. It does not work? Very well, because the sounds are not that strange and his two previous studio albums "Liebeskrieger" (2009) and "Keine Zeit" (2011) skillfully prove this. The new album entitled «Wehe!» is the perfect anthem for those who are in a battle with themselves and affection for another person. "Each of us has experienced that before," describes singer Timur Karakus. “What remains is desperate hope and a pipe dream that everyone is happy to follow.” "Woe!" is dedicated to all unapproachable, spurned, lost and forbidden loves and sufferings in this world - and is thus a melancholy homage to love itself.

With the third disc «Wehe», the Gothic Rock Band «Schöngeist» presents an elegant, powerful and completely German-language album. There are a lot of goth rockers with brute attitude these days, like ASP or Eisbrecher. The somewhat more relaxed attitude of the always well-dressed Timur and his band, both on the record and on the live stage, is a striking contrast. Lyrically, the album focuses on the interpersonal, relationship conflicts, hope, dreams and grief - a "melancholy homage to love itself". In a way, contrary to the definition, the esthete deals with the everyday. Even in the threatening-sounding “Woe!” By the way, Karakus sings about love – in this case the scorned one. Timur's longtime companion Alex Wesselsky contributed both textually and musically to the development phase. In any case, the title of the album of the same name clearly shows the musical journey esthete is taking here. A violin sounds at the beginning, which could just as well prepare for the enjoyment of a classical album. But only a little later hard guitar salvos set in. In the next piece you can clearly feel the influences of Eisbrecher Frontman Wesselsky. «Tief» is a rock song with electronic influences. Vocally, Timur sometimes changes to a hoarse, tormented voice. In terms of content, someone is apparently supposed to be shaken up "How often do you want to fall?" or just how deep?

SCHÖNGEIST - alone together

Following on from this, «Wieder» contains industrial-like sounds right at the beginning, but remains in a rocky guise with the use of guitar, bass and drums. Here, too, the music aesthete Karakus chooses a harder vocal gait. He skilfully plays between soft and insinuating, up to hoarse and angry passages. One would like to feel a certain anger. "Together Alone" exudes a similar basic mood as its predecessor and definitely has catchy tune potential. A long lost friendship is discussed here. Almost everyone can relate to the feelings that are conveyed here sonically. "We should forget not to ask too much", true words that are very succinctly staged. "I'm for it" spoils us again with a warm, soft voice. «Es Count The Seconds» rushes straight away, but the singing remains soft and calm to the very fast-paced song. Aren't we all quiet fellows who need to be pushed? This song shows that very clearly. The pace that has just been gained is also continued in «Known Me». A very entertaining rock piece dominated by guitar and drums with a striking chorus. "Traumtanz" is an appeal to all those who despair of life. The actual conclusion of the album is the very powerful song «Lebe». This song shakes you up and asks you to live and make something out of your existence. A brilliant end, but not quite, the conclusion is the interpretation of the Nick Cave classic «Where The Wild Roses Grow».

2013 should be an absolute success year for Munich. First they signed a record deal with the Oblivion/SPV label and now, on August 30, 2013, the album «Wehe!» the now more third publication in the house. An all-round successful alternative rock album that tempts you to listen to it several times. Solid German rock with a certain heaviness, sensuality and some electronic signatures. On their new album, Schöngeist enjoy their entire musical spectrum. Even after listening to it several times, you will always find nuances that you had previously missed and can rediscover them for yourself. That's probably the nice thing about this kind of music. No generally binding wisdom is conveyed, but feelings, moods and experiences. Possible solutions are suggested, but leave enough space for everyone to draw their own conclusions. At some point I came across the saying, "When we're happy, we enjoy the music, when we're sad, we understand the lyrics". You can't put it more aptly for this album. Musically, all tracks are very catchy and you can't deny a certain pop character here and there. If you take the time, you will discover the profound in the lyrics. A very promising band to keep an eye on! If you don't know the band yet, Eisbrecher, Megaherz and Rammstein but has had a good experience and is not having a hard time with a little more pop influence, should definitely listen.

Tracklist:

1. Alas!
2. Deep!
3. Back
4. Alone together
5. I am in favor
6. The seconds count
7. Know me
8. Dream dance
9. Live
10. Where The Wild Roses Grow

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