Album Review

Alev Lenz – Alte Schonhauser EP

• 8th Jul 2010

Stomping Tori Amos and Sheryl Crow spirited horn hounded pop rises in tempo and spirit, as this Berlin based singer/songwriter oozes confidence, independence and heart-on-sleeve honesty.

This is just in opener ‘Write About It’ that kicks of this flighty and self delving five track EP. Lenz uses her hearty clarity along with the power and pull of rhythmic handclapping and a bounding horn led instrumental. The song provides spirit, rhythm and lyrical bemusement, particularly in affairs of the heart:

“I know you, you’re a part of me: a ghost inside my chest.”

Positive vocal delivery and wandering pop instrumentalism is often contrasted by aching, fatalistic lyrics. Lenz shows that she can pitch her vocals anywhere from sombre and longing to hounding, full-bodied and most spots in-between as well.

‘Band-Aid Man’, uses a digital toe to help give the gruffer, Bjorkesque vocal leanings and overall mystique a more pronounced impact. Occasional frantic touches add to the compelling nature of this worrisome sojourn.

You can’t have five tracks that explore the nature of human emotions and the impact of them, without including one spindling, key-led and soul-searching ballad. ‘Song For Sea’, is the EP’s offering of this ilk. It captures the spirit and depth of Natalie Merchant, appearing heart-tugging, yet genuine and wandering at the same time.

This follow up to the limited release debut album of last year, possesses enough tenderness, deep delving, instrumental weaving and a splash of cynicism in order to earn Lenz some exposure and respect.