Artist: Einstürzende Neubauten Album: The Jewels

Year: 2007
Duration: 0:0-1

A Critical Review of Einstürzende Neubauten's The Jewels Album

Einstürzende Neubauten, a German experimental music group, is best known for incorporating unconventional and industrial elements into their music. In their 2020 album, The Jewels, they've taken a more subdued approach, preferring to showcase introspective lyricism and atmospheric sounds over their previous noisier sound. In this post, we'll take a critical review of the album and discuss its genre, the best songs, the most innovative parts, the history of the artist, and our overall impression.

First things first, let's take a look at the genre of The Jewels album. It's important to note that Einstürzende Neubauten is a band that doesn't follow any one genre, but instead borrows from various ones. The album can be described as experimental, ambient, avant-garde, and industrial all at once. The genre-bending approach to the album makes it a unique listening experience, as it challenges the listener's expectations.

One of the standout songs from the album is Ten Grand Goldie. The song's haunting, dreamlike soundscape is accompanied by lyrics that detail the story of a woman's life from birth to death. Another favorite is The Willy-Nicky Telegrams, a song that takes inspiration from the personal correspondence between Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany and Tsar Nicholas II of Russia. The song's ambient soundscapes are punctuated by eerie metallic sounds, emphasizing the technology present during World War I.

In terms of innovation, the band's use of found objects as instruments stands out. From creaking doors to metal pipes, Einstürzende Neubauten has always been known for their unconventional use of objects to create music. On this album, they've used sounds they've created in their travels, ranging from the sound of ice breaking to the echo of a gunshot.

Now, let's talk about the history of Einstürzende Neubauten. The band was formed in 1980 by vocalist Blixa Bargeld and percussionist Nu Unruh. The group drew inspiration from punk rock, industrial music, and art, and began performing in various venues in Berlin. Throughout the years, they've released 16 albums, each with its own unique sound. Their experimentation with sound and music has made their work a favorite among fans of the genre.

As with any album, there are criticisms to be had. While the album is unique and challenging, it can also be seen as a departure from the band's signature sound. The abrasive noisiness that fans have come to expect is toned down in favor of a more reflective sound. While some fans may appreciate the change of direction, others may find it lacking.

In conclusion, The Jewels is an album that showcases Einstürzende Neubauten's versatility as a band. With its introspective lyrics, genre-bending sound, and innovative use of found objects, it's a release that challenges the listener to step outside their comfort zone. While not without its flaws, The Jewels is a worthy addition to the band's impressive discography, and a testament to the enduring legacy of Einstürzende Neubauten's sound.