Blumfeld
Jenseits von Jedem

THE REVIEW

There are basically two reasons why I decide to review this extremely unknown band. The first is that, as an enthusiast of "German studies", I consider German music capable of overshadowing many Anglo-American-Italo-Cuban-World-African productions. I find myself supporting this theory even when faced with German friends who don't believe me when I argue that their language can be as melodic and soft as English and Italian. The second reason why I am about to talk about "Jenseits von Jedem" is that this group no longer exists and I wanted to somehow pay them recognition for their work.

So, the Blumfeld are from Hamburg and were born in 1990. They started moving in clubs, initially proposing a punk rock, then softening their sound towards a more indie-pop sound. Jochen Distelmeyer is the frontman, the leader, and the undisputed director of the band. I would say a mix between Morrissey, for narrative ability, (in every album at least one 8-minute track shows us that he always has many and quite interesting things to say), Bowie for stage presence, and Brett Anderson (ex-Suede) for a vague physical resemblance.

Despite lineup changes over the years, the stylistic signature of the band along with their qualities have not been lost. This is precisely because what makes the difference, apart from being the common denominator in the group, is the high value of the "narrated product".

The music of Blumfeld is predominantly guitar pop, sometimes with brit-rock influences, very melodic and warm mainly centered on the interpretative abilities of Jochen's clear and emphatic voice. Although the work in question occasionally loses itself in "band" exaggerations with blaring brass entirely out of place (Armer Irrer, Sonntag), it is the enveloping melodies outlined by Distelmeyer's guitar that dominate.

However, there are many great melodists in the world, so, you might say: why waste time? A legitimate question that I do not feel like disputing.

Nonetheless, the fact remains that anyone who wants to may agree that in the progress of the splendid "Neuer Morgen" (fantastic video, to be seen and heard) one cannot fail to notice a certain kinship with "There is a light that never goes out" or that "Die Welt ist Schoen" is sweet, whether or not one understands the dense words.

Optimistically, I feel I can hope and think that Jochen's pen will not remain on the table for too long and that perhaps, after all, it won't have been a huge loss.

So on my musical wishlist for 2009, I start by putting this one.

P.S. It would have been more appropriate to review a not-yet-realized Best. There are many scattered songs that should be known. Two above all: "Tausend Träne Tief" and "Graue Wolken".