Art As Catharsis are proud to announce the release of Hinterlandt’s new release Seven Tales – an elegantly composed collection of acoustic indie-chamber anecdotes.
As the fourth Hinterlandt record released under the Art As Catharsis label, Seven Tales serves as a showcase for Jochen Gutsch’s exceptional compositional talents. A quintet of classically trained instrumentalists shape the music with masterful licks of violin, cello, guitar, trumpet and vocals – resulting in engaging narratives wherein themes from Tin Hat Trio, Igor Stravinsky and Miles Davis echo within the music.
“These intricate instrumental arrangements and melodic vocals are contrasted by a rather dark subject matter,” begins Gutsch. “As the listeners are introduced to the fictional characters the songs are named after, it slowly becomes clear that each of the Seven Tales evolve around a tragic moment. Heart-breaking circumstances are supplemented with glimpses of black humour as the album provides an endearing and emotional window into the lives of seven humans (and a dog).”
The Tale of Karim serves as both first single and closing track for Seven Tales. Opening with rushes of violins and cello, the song soon sweeps into soothing, clean progressions. Nicole Smede’s honeyed vocals work wonders at crafting worlds whilst each instrument unfolds below like petals on a spring flower. The clarity of each musical element leaves the listener open to interpret pace, pulse, and proposition freely without interruption – a rare and beautiful thing when compared to the clutter of many contemporary artists.
“We chose The Tale of Karim as the first single as we felt that this song best demonstrates our journey from our previous release Sollbruchstelle to Seven Tales,” says Gutsch. “The song has some of the rhythmic urgency we enjoy playing as a group, but it also makes it clear that vocals and lyrics are front and centre on the new album. Meanwhile the overarching narrative of the album is hinted at, however it reveals itself more clearly when listening to the entire set.”
On Seven Tales, Gutsch’s compositional talents are taken to new heights through introduction of narrative, poetic and vocal elements. Both the band and contemporary indie-chamber music are thrust a significant step forward by these careful additions – the storytelling is engaging, clear and rife with curiosity. For lovers of musical storytelling, unique composition and unexpected ensembles, Seven Tales stands as a record with a brilliant and refreshing twist on multiple fronts – a must-listen for anyone with appreciation to intricacy and detail.
Seven Tales releases via Art As Catharsis Records on August 20th. The first single, The Tale of Karim, is available for streaming now.
