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Monday, 14 August 2006 03:41

This one sparkles like champagne, folks.

Rock bands from Germany seldom make a substantial dent in the U.S. market. Sure, there are bands like Einsturzende Neubauten, Rammstein, and the Scorpions who’ve developed sizable followings, but you just don’t hear much about newer German groups causing a stir on these shores the way that, for example, many Scandinavian artists do. With their sophomore album Honeysuckle, Klee have a good shot at rectifying this situation.

The uncharacteristically charming electro-pop trio—vocalist Suzie Kerstgens, guitarist Tom Deininger, and keyboard ace Sten Servaes—are purveyors of an eminently listenable brand of reflective, romantic modern pop that should find receptive ears everywhere. Honeysuckle features 15 rhythmic but sweet tunes about love, loss and points between, 12 of which are sung in the softest, most alluring German you’ve ever heard. Kerstgens delivers each melody with subtly seductive grace, and her beguiling tone tames any shred of harshness that you’d ordinarily hear in the language. An interesting artistic move was featuring three of the best songs (“This Is for Everyone,” “A Thousand Ways,” and “Gold”) in both English and German versions. That first tune sure sounds like a hit, with an infectious rhythm, resonant piano chords, and Kerstgens’ pleasing voice hooking you instantly. “This is for everyone who realize (sic)/That in the sorrow of sadness, that beauty lies,” the singer tells us, before concluding that “life is too short not to risk more…” It’s truly a little gem, followed by the mid-tempo melancholy lilt of “A Thousand Ways,” on which jaded ears should revel in the beautifully simple, ringing piano chords plunked by Servaes—clearly a chap with class and taste.

The first tune you hear German on is “With You,” and it’s one of the disc’s brightest, a foot-tapping grabber that serves up a perfect blend of acoustic and electric guitars, not to mention building the case for Kerstgens as one of the most appealing multi-lingual chanteuses to come down the pike in ages. This one sparkles like champagne, folks. Some tunes are more clearly aimed at the dance floor, such as “My Secret,” “As Long As You Live,” and the previously mentioned “Gold,” on which a group hug appears to be taking place between the clean percussion, guitar, and warm vocals. But Klee really hit some lofty peaks on “We Go Against the Flow,” which is a delightfully catchy number that has an indescribable textural richness—melodic poptronica at its very finest—and “My Room,” a sublime acoustic ballad that charms with male-female vocals and a poignancy that clearly has a story behind it (you can make out the names “Nick Drake” and “Billy Bragg” among the German lyrics). And “Our Movie” is a bit reminiscent of the classic Cure song “Friday I’m in Love,” merely exemplifying the level of commercial appeal these guys are capable of. Klee should feel justifiably proud of their efforts here, as Honeysuckle is truly as fragrant and intoxicating as its floral namesake.

RIYL: Saint Etienne, Frou-Frou, Acid House Kings

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