blueVenus has an interesting story behind their musical journey, one which takes a transatlantic journey from Germany all the way back to the bands stomping grounds in Toronto, Canada. Newly married Berklee College grads, singer/songwriter Andrea de Boer and guitarist/co-songwriter Devrim Eldelekli inject their latest effort, Grin from various lyrical and instrumental sources to produce a sound that is uniquely their own.
The album begins with the title track “Grin” which introduces an eclectic arrangement of instruments that simply works, and works well to float Boer’s voice in its slightly melancholy journey to redemption at the fruition of the track. The jazz horns and jaunty guitar plucking are welcome aural notes needed to forward the songs trajectory.
The arrangements then change suite on “Happy Tune” with its boogie like backing and orchestral elements. Similarly, “In Between” wastes no time in changing the albums sound with its jazz horns and Ska like guitar elements. Further on, “Ohrwurm” introduces German rapping into the mélange when the listener has just begun to reminisce in a full swung Beatles homage circa Sergeant Pepper.
The album is obviously an autobiographical journey chronicling an obstructed path and steps taken to achieve the sometimes impossible. “Wait and Go” describes the angst and uncertainty involved in following ones path and persevering through the different shades of life’s ups and downs. “Lucky Well” is a hushed melody that builds slowly with its billowing bridges and soft verses.
Boer has a powerful voice that can come off as disengaging and fragile, then amp itself up to a lovely growl. Unfortunately, on tracks such as “The Life,” the singer’s voice is drowned out by the diverse mix of musical elements. Listeners will wish that the echo effect would have been cut from “Raining Gold Stars,” a solid track that would have unlimited replay value without the unwanted reverberations.
Overall, Grin is a pleasant effort from the duo, while definitely foraying into the pop arena with a handful of catchy songs, its use of atypical arrangements gives the record that touch of much needed originality. Listeners will be happy to know that blueVenus has produced a deeply personal, yet relatable album with its bittersweet lyrics and lush delivery.
Rukshan Thenuwara – MuzikReviews.com Staff
October 4, 2009
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