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Laibach - Volk


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Another opus from Laibach, the band that needs no introduction, is called Volk (the meaning translates simply as "a folk/a people"). Thus, it should not be hard to guess the leitmotif of the album.

Allow me to say a few words about the music itself, for I shall focus on individual songs later, emphasizing their other valours. It is very peaceful and quite. If you were counting on "Tanz mit Laibach" v. 2.0., you should stay away from this album. Piano is the main instrument here, beats are treated as background. All songs are based on national anthems and songs settled in the tradition of selected countries, and it would not be appropriate to mock them - you can feel the respect and reverence the artists express. They are not transformed or remixed, only the way they are played is changed, keeping the monumentalism and pride. Let's start, then.

The first song is titled Germania and it's one of my three most favourite pieces from this CD. The novelty strikes on the spot - you start wondering, if it's really Laibach. For two minutes we hear a paced and melodic German anthem, then we hear a well known voice we've been waiting for. Due to the minimalistic musical layer (but beware, minimalistic doesn't mean poor!) it's easier to follow the lyrics. They are the most vital element of the track - and consequently - of the whole album. To cut it short - Germans have been shown as those, who have to bear the burden of their history, but they cannot forget about the heritage and traditions they have. A great emphasis is put on highlighting the depth of this nation's fall and the great responsibility they carry not to let it happen again.
America is up next. Milan Fras (the vocalist) leaves no doubts - we hear the phrase "land of the free" with police sirens wailing in the background and rhetorical questions aimed at Americans - for a person interested in current world affairs, the answers are obvious - has America built the perfect society, free from dangers, wars, famine, equal and free for everyone? An interesting addition is the usage of an American preacher's sermon, shrieky and calling for spiritual conversion (the alternative being, of course, frying in hell).
Anglia, the next track, leaves no doubts as well. Already with the first lines of the lyrics ("you still believe that you hold the world?") Laibach's attitude towards the old empire is clear. The "instrumental" part is even more interesting - the music is a bit livelier, you begin to sway a little, along with the piano and the violin.
Next, we move to a different region - but still imperial! Rossiya! The music stays lively, matching the female choir, of course a Russian one. The song itself is more positive - let's unite! Still, you can hear traces of prejudice against the big brother, accusations (e.g. of hunger), but the track remains more friendly than the previous ones. The lyrics to the Francia song are connected with the unrest in the poorer parts of French cities, taking place not so long ago. The music also grows agitated, dangerous - it is a warning and maybe a prophecy of what is going to happen to France.
It's hard to say anything about Italia's lyrics, as they are simply scarce. Fras is wondering whether Italia will break free from the "yoke" of Rome. The music is more classical, traditional and characteristic for this region.
Espana - well - this track is (almost) happy. We're coming back to the times, in which the Spanish were famous and powerful warriors, and their victories in all fields of life were certain. The guitar is used here in a very specific manner, followd by an electro/ebm beat (you can hear remarks about pirates and conquistadors in the background, which is funny in my opinion).
Let's get to my favourite track - Yisra'el. It touches upon the eternal search for an own country by the Jews. The music moves me most here, especially the chorus, where we get traditional Jewish music and singing mixed with a very strong beat and Fras' powerful vocal. Everyone knows that the older brothers are good at making music.
Turkiye is the least impressive track of the album, in my opinion. Musically, it does match the others - it's really impressive in one point, when we can hear an opera-like female voice. But that is not enough, I think. Still, Turkey is a pleasurable experience, when combined with the rest of the album.
Zhonghua (China) is by far more interesting, as it uses the anthem sung in its original oriental version. Lyrics call to a new revolution, to a rise of those "who are a legion, sharing one heart". The next track is Nippon - Japan. The longest song of the album, with little lyrics (by Fras). The only thing he mentions is an address to a higher power, asking to let the beautiful (my own opinion) nation thrive and prosper.
The Japanese anthem in this version is breathtaking and spectacular. Movie-like, full of expression, simply marvellous. There is no modern electronics in the piece, but it is ingenious anyway. Let's move into more familiar regions, Slovenia. Slovania addresses a lot of people. Poles are mentioned as well ("these words are for you, Poland"). A choir of voices wishes the stones to crumble, the earth to shake and the freedom to rise. I leave the interpretation to you, but I think it's clear enough :). It is another of those songs making you sway rhythmically to a deep and stable beat.
The last but one song is Vaticanae - to my amazement, it starts almost like a noise track, and it ends the same - still, the core of the song is a female voice taken from an opera stage, evidently singing about religion. Not much to comment here. It fits into the record, but does not make a difference either way.
The last song is worth taking a bit of thinking time. NSK is not a tribute to one of the Polish DJs, it's an abbreviation of Neue Slovenische Kunst (New Slovene Art), and the song can be treated as an anthem of this utopian and imaginary (?) state. It sounds pompous and proud. It sounds just as it should.

How can I conclude and summarise the new Laibach release? Above all, it's good. Really good. What's more - in times like these, when it's really hard to find something original in music, they did it. "Volk" is a novelty, for the band and for the scene as well. And it shows us in style that new doesn't mean bad. I do not recommend this album to fans of "WAT" - why should you, dear friends, be disappointed? I recommend this to everyone, who enjoys fine music.

In my opinion, "Volk" deserves your attention.

Tracklist:
01 Germania
02 America
03 Anglia
04 Rossiya
05 Francia
06 Italia
07 Espana
08 Yisra'el
09 Turkiye
10 Zhonghua
11 Nippon
12 Slovania
13 Vaticanae
14 NSK
Author:
Translator: Nihil
Add date: 2006-09-13 / Music reviews


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