Kummerbuben – Schattehang

Releasedate: 27-03-2010; Label: Choprecords
By: Nina Mende

Kummerbuben play and sing Swiss folk songs in a way Switzerland as well as the rest of the world has never heard them before. They seem to be somewhat known in Switzerland. “Schattehang” is the second release of Kummerbuben.

I know quite some languages but Swiss is definitely not one of them and Swiss is also a language you don’t get to hear too often. The first second I wasn’t listen too close and almost mistook it for Swedish, but way wrong. This album is in Swiss. To me, it is the first time I ever heard music in that language. So already because of this aspect it is very interesting. The booklet is black and white, includes the lyrics as well as interesting artwork which is worth taking a closer look at. Swiss lyrics of folk songs with a sound that reminds of sailor music sung with a dark and smoky voice is what these fourteen songs sound like. The smoky voices adds a certain heaviness to the songs, but it is lifted up a little by the melodies. “’S het deheim e Vogel gsunge” has an outstanding and funky sound. This album by Kummerbuben is definitely an interesting piece of art. Give it a try if you have the chance.

Tracklist: 1. Andermatt 2. Händschelied 3. Has 4. ‘S het deheim e Vogel gsunge 5. Anneli, wo bisch geschter gsi? 6. I dr Aare 7. La Marie 8. Lügemärli 9. Stomperli 10. Wo chunnt dr Chrieg här? 11. Le coq est mort 12. Alperose 13. Stäcklichrieg 14. Guet Nacht, mys Liebeli

Links:
Kummerbuben MySpace
Kummerbuben Official