Negura
Bunget – Tău (2015)
Lupus Lounge (Prophecy Productions)
Review by Trevor Proctor
Negura
Bunget has just released their seventh full length album, Tău as follow up to
their acclaimed album, Vîrstele Pămîntului, which was released in 2010. Negura
Bunget has never been a band to do things by half measures but with this
release they have taken things to another ambitious level altogether, even by
their high standards.
Just released via The Lupus Lounge (Prophecy Productions)
Tău is the first instalment in the proposed Transylvanian Trilogy, a trilogy
that’s aimed at transporting the listener to the heart of their homeland of Transylvania.
Whilst the heart and planned concept of the remaining two albums are in place
nothing has been recorded of yet but there’s plenty within Tău to keep us happy
during the wait until 2016 and 2018. The main thinking behind the trilogy of albums
is to satiate fans’ desire to learn more about Transylvanian mystique and
history.
Negura Bunget have always been a band that brings us some of the best,
and most original, box sets – after all, there was a handmade limited box set
of Vîrstele Pămîntului that came complete with Transylvanian soil. Tău is no
exception and is due to be released in four formats; a cd digipak, gatefold LP,
two cd and dvd with 72 page hardcover
art book along with a hand carved wooden box edition which contains maple
leaves and seeds from a Transylvanian forest. There are only fifty copies of
the wooden box edition which are only available directly from the band. The
album’s title, Tău has
two meanings: firstly, it addresses man by meaning your or thy, and on the
other, it means small mountain lakes which despite seeming inconspicuous, are
exceptionally deep.
The
vocals during Tău are noticeably heavier than with some previous releases,
adopting a growled death metal sound at times but it’s no bad thing and sit
perfectly within the music. As with all their previous output this album takes
you on a folk infused black metal journey with a soundtrack that’s as varied as
it is impressive. Fourth track, Curgerea Muntelui, is one of many standout
moments during Tău – a slow starter that features the majestic sound of the
Transylvanian hunting horn along with traditional chants and various other wind
instruments adding to the overall authentic feel of the album. Track six,
Împodobeala Timpului, is definitely another highlight – a very traditional
track that’s jaunty and upbeat in its approach, taking off with music
reminiscent of Gogo Bordello.
Admittedly, on first listen, there was an element
of “what the fuck” going through my head but subsequent listens revealed this
track to be the almighty stomper it becomes. It’s a track that brings to mind
drunken dances round a campfire and is one of the most unique yet catchiest
tracks they have ever written – I defy you to listen to this and not smile from
ear to ear. Jaunty tempo, whistles, trumpets, brilliant female vocals and more
of those death metal growls I’d mentioned are but a few of the ingredients in
this quirky track. Negura Bunget bring us a number of highlights and unique
moments but this is a magical, folk-infused journey you’re best embarking on
yourself, rest assured you’ll be impressed and spellbound with its every turn.
Lupus
Lounge has further strengthened their release roster with this album and whilst
Tău may be one of their heaviest recent releases it still holds the usual charm
and variation in sound that we’ve come to expect, and love, from Negura Bunget.
A magnificent piece of music - it’ll be interesting to hear how they follow
this, but that’s a debate for another time. In the meantime take the time to
revel in the beauty that is Tău.
8.5/10
Tracklist:
1 - Nămetenie
2 - Izbucul Galbenei
3 - La Hotaru Cu Cinci Culmi
4 - Curgerea Muntelui
5 - Tărîm vîlhovnicesc
6 - Împodobeala timpului
7 - Picur Viu Foc
8 - Schimnicește
Negura Bunget's Tău is released by Lupus Lounge (Prophecy Productions) and is available now.
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