Dies Natalis

It is always nice when a band releases a cd and immediately comes to present it in a club near you. Yesterday Dies Natalis gave a very nice show in Landgraaf and of course they were also selling the cd. A few comparisons between the performance and the cd.
However on stage the band presented some quite powerfull neo-folk music, the cd is mixed quite ‘thin’ and in most songs lack the powerfull drumming and vocals that the band on stage does have. Around the end of the cd there are two songs (10 and 11) which do have the sound that the band deserves.
The show started with mostly tranquil songs in the vein that we are familiar with through the 10″ that was released on Eis & Licht last year (and which is also reviewed in these pages). This is also the kind of music that is on this cd. Later in the show came rather bombastic and powerfull songs of which are only a few on the cd. I hope these kind of songs are new and will be available soon.
There is quite a big role for the keyboards, which in many parts are actually too simple and do not help the songs much in my opinion. Fortunately the band also proves that they can be helpfull in a few songs.
Two songs of the 10″ are also to be found on “Vom Gedanken…”. Undoubtely very helpfull for those who do not possess one of the 510 copies, but those who do have this 10″ would probably prefer new songs.
As it seems the cd is self-released in a digipack with a simple lay-out. I know it is available from Eis & Licht, so I suppose it will get the usual Eislicht distribution.
Overall I must conclude that the cd does have its moments, but to me it is mostly just another neo-folk cd. I hope a new cd will have the more powerfull songs on it. The band has been on stage for two hours or so, so they definately must have enough material to release a new cd in not too much time.

Apparently Eis & Licht from Germany only releases the best of material. Somehow they are able to sign brilliant young neo-folk bands and good bands of people who have been longer working with this kind of music. Fact is that I haven’t heard an Eislicht release that isn’t good. Unfortunately I found that out a little late, so now I have to rush to collect all the Eislicht releases that I don’t have and because all releases are limited (vinyl mostly to some 500 copies), this is quite a task.
But, I’m glad that I still got a copy of this 10″. Eislicht has a handfull left, so if you’re quick, you might be able to get a copy yourself.
:Raunen: is (of course, I’d almost say) a great release. I expected more drumming, but in fact this is mostly pretty romantic neo-folk. Striking is that of three song, two are sung in English, which is something most young neo-folk bands seem to prefer not to do. This piece of vinyl has to be played on 45 rpm, so unfortunately it is rather short. The good news is that a full-length cd is planned for the end of this year.
Keep an eye on this great new band.
Oh, and to those who know this 10″, no I don’t have another version. I just like the picture on the back so much, that I combined the front and the back cover.