Faun – Luna

Releasedate: 05-09-2014; Label: We Love Music/Universal
By: Basak Günel

When it comes to pagan/folk music, the German band Faun is one of the known names. The band has been active since 1999 and they keep improving their sound but remain loyal to the roots of their style for over a very long time. In the early years, the band’s sound has been more natural and even ‘raw’ but throughout the years, the band has managed to make pagan music in a more modernized fashion by mixing it with electronic/darkwave elements. In this sense, they do not only make ordinary pagan music but they manage to be unique and keep impressing their fanbase and those who love medieval music with a different touch. In spite of the line-up changes and signing a record deal with Universal in 2013 (which raised a lot of eyebrows), the band still remains strong and here they are with their latest album “Luna”.

In contrary to “Von den Elben” (2013) , “Luna” has more of a natural approach. Since Luna symbolizes the moon and the feminine energy, the album’s general atmosphere reflects the night with the mystic elements it brings and this can be felt throughout the album quite well. As a matter of fact, from the first song, we are greeted with the magic of the night and “Luna”. Apart from this aspect, “Luna” has some very colorful and meaningful songs; “Walpurgisnacht” is about the ritual of the walpurgis night itself whereas “Hekate” can be considered as a tribute to the goddess of magic , Hekate. Another interesting song is definitely “Buntes Volk”, which also features the vocalist of In Extremo, Michael Rhein and which tells the story of the free lives of the minstrels.

Generally, “Luna” shows just how powerful Faun is as a band. Songs like “Cuncti Simus” and “Hörst du die Trommeln” show the true magic of the band with the perfect mix of the vocals and the music instruments. I must also say that I especially liked Katja Moslehner’s work in this album; her vocals in “Menuett” are really impressive and she seems to have fit into the band quite well considering she joined the band last year. The album’s production is really successful as well; the listener will be able to hear each instrument quite well, which is quite important when Faun’s music is considered.

What more can I say? “Luna” is amazing in every aspect. I am sure everybody will find their favorite song and it is even more enjoyable at night or even in full moon.

Line-up:
Oliver S. Tyr – vocals, Irish bouzouki, nyckelharpa, mandocello, celtic Harp, saz, tar, guitar & various lutes
Fiona Rüggeberg- vocals, bagpipes, flutes, rebab, recorder, fujara, seljefloit, harmonium, chalumeaux & pommer
Katja Moslehner – vocals, percussion
Stephan Groth – vocals, hurdy-gurdy, cistern, whistles
Rüdiger Maul – darabouka, davul, bendir, tamborello, riq, berimbao & other percussion instruments.
Niel Mitra – computer sampler & synthesizer

Tracklist: 01. Luna Prolog 02. Walpurgisnacht 03. Buntes Volk 04. Menuett 05. Hekate 06. Blaue Stunde 07. Cuncti Simus 08. Hörst du die Trommeln 09. Die wilde Jagd 10. Frau Erde 11. Hymne der Nacht 12. Abschied

Links:
Faun Official