Die Stadt Muzikanten by Woodpigeon
LABEL: Boompa

Die Stadt Muzikanten is Woodpigeon’s third full-length album and served as my introduction to their music. The 8-piece band from Alberta, Canada, I have to say, didn’t knock me off my feet upon first listen, but after devoting a few good listening sessions to this album I was soon turned. There is a fine-tuned subtlety in this album that I, being the intensity-junkie that I am, overlooked at first. Before I knew it I was indeed being knocked off of my feet, and each time I listen to the album it just gets better and better.

There is this old-time western feel to their sound, coupled with a somewhat compositional/orchestral nature, and a driving indie-rock heart. This results in something remarkably original. They paint musical landscapes with layers upon layers of sound using their voices and instrumental skills for all that they are worth.

“Morningside”, which is one of the more subdued tracks, starts out with some light violin plucking, acoustic guitar, and beautiful harmonies. I started getting this Mama’s and Papa’s west-coast vibe sort of feel from it, but there’s so much more there. The lyrics are absolutely breathtaking:

   It doesn’t pay to follow someone around who won’t give it.
    I’ve never prayed, but someone’s gotta tell me just why you came.

Songs like, “My Denial in Argyle” and “Empty-Hall Sing-Along” are such catchy, well-written indie-rock tunes that you can’t not like them.

What really sold me on this album though, was the skill with which these guys build and build their sound in subtlest of ways. They get you when you're not looking and it’s absolutely lovely! In “The Street Noise Gives You Away” for example, they utilize an instrumental bridge towards the end of the tune, with a nice violin lead and it sounds like the song may just fade out on this, and then... BAM! This crescendos into the chorus with a punch that's just ridiculous.

As I mentioned, I like intensity. I like to be catapulted out of my seat by raw emotion. Die Stadt Muzikanten does all that and then some. If you appreciate good music, you need to own this album. All I know is I’m glad I sat down and opened up my ears.


REVIEWED BY LYNN SHER
LYNN'S FAVORITE TRACKS: “Morningside” • “ The Pesky Druthers (Parts 1 and 2)” • “Untitled” • “The Street Noise Gives You Away”