Chandeen returns with another timeless jewel. As one of the originators of the genre that came to be known as "Heavenly Voices," Harald Löwy remains as chief song-writer and instrumentalist, with a new vocalist for this incarnation of Chandeen: Julia Beyer who lends a more fragile, autumn character to the songs. These songs sound more inspired, more intimate and yes, in some respects more mature and developed then past releases. Julia Beyer's sad, but strong voice stands in sympathetic contrast and floats in concurrent harmony with Löwy's tearfully beautiful songs.
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A review from © Ecki Stieg:
It seems the wisdom of the so-called Electro / Wave generation, slowly but surely, is maturing enough to see that preset industrial is not so palatable, and that the composition of a song demands more than dull-handed programming; Chandeen returns, understanding like no other in this music genre, that it is not about following trends, but rather about traveling their own path. Thus they may have founded the "Heavenly Voices" genre - however, unlike other mere Epigones, they have not simply taken in the aesthetic… but have through individuality, skill and style, poured it into form. The project Chandeen has lived through many metamorphosis throughout the years. The driving force has always been Harald Löwy as "chef d'orchestre", who's visions are given breath through diverse Chanteuses. In the new reincarnation of Chandeen, it is Julia Beyer who lends a new, more fragile, autumn character than one was used to from their previous incarnations. A stroke of luck, as the interpretations have never sounded more punctuated, more inspired, more intimate and yes, in some respects more mature and developed. Julia Beyer's sad, but strong voice stands in sympathetic contrast and floats in concurrent harmony with Löwy's tearfully beautiful songs. Meanwhile, the soul of the music remains unchanged: With remarkable consequence and his sense of tonal aesthetics, Löwy has succeeded, as the new album, Teenage Poetry, unites tradition and vision in unique way. With songs like "Welcome the Still" (a song that deserves to be a definitive hit, if the Pop-World had preserved any remaining feeling for beauty and depth), Löwy surprises once again with his visual soundscapes and unequaled soundtrack-like density. If one considers the similarity to greats such as Sigur Ròs, This Mortal Coil or David Sylvian, one should also remember that Chandeen began their career around the same time as the aforementioned, and are long past such comparisons (though this will not lessen the likelihood that fans of these bands will consider Teenage Poetry dear to their hearts…) Regardless, it's not likely that any fan will spend much time with this kind of hairsplitting: Teenage Poetry is a long awaited jewel, a breathing, timeless work that rewards the patient listener with a moving, tear-inducing "hidden track" featuring Anji Bee of Lovespirals. It is lovely that such music is still produced today! Welcome back Chandeen.
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A review from Liar Society:
You'll excuse me, I hope, for being more than a little skeptical about an album titled Teenage Poetry. Chandeen proves my fears to be unfounded; instead of a disc's worth of overwrought whining and "no one understands me!" theatrics, Teenage Poetry is an eclectic selection of electro-ethereal. Strong female vocals take center stage, while intricate whirls of programming create sonic backdrops that vary from ominous and threatening to serene and dreamlike. Overall, the album captures a cinematic mood and effortlessly sweeps the listener along its thoughtful, introspective current. Samples and ambient bits crop up here and there, again lending the atmosphere of a movie just out of focus. Also, it's worth noting that though the album tends toward the downbeat, it does feature some infectious rhythms—Teenage Poetry might clear an EBM dancefloor, but old-school swirlygoth dancers will love this. Rating: 3.5 out of 5 -Jack Shear
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