Customer Reviews

Virgin Mary

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

18 Summers is a German Synthpop band. Which consist of Felix Flaucher (lyrics,vocals,keys) and Frank Schwer (guitar,keys). Formerly known as Silke Bischoff they changed their name due to legal disputes. This is their most recent release titled 'Virgin Mary'. Released on E-wave records in 2002.

'Virgin Mary' is one of the most original albums I've heard in quite some time. In a market full of synth oriented music its nice to have an original twist,and 18 Summers (Silke Bischoff) does just that. They add an acoustic line up to most of the synthetic backgrounds. Creating a soothing melody that you can listen to even while trying to sleep. For the most part the music is laid back easy listening. To be honest I would'nt consider this music synthpop. I would consider it experimental. Its where Gothic meets Folk with a bit of synthpop thrown into the mix. I could compare this band to many different bands from several genre's of music ,and highly recomend it to fan's of Rasputina, Wolfsheim, Apoptygma Berzerk, and even Ani Difranco. So if you enjoy any of those bands, or just looking for something new then you should buy this album. I bet you'll be glad you did. I know I was.

18 Summers is a duo of Felix Flaucher (vocals,lyrics,keyboards)and Frank Schwer (guitars,keyboards). This is their second record distributed by E-WAVE records. The same label that brought us T.O.Y.'s first album "Space Radio". With this record ("virgin mary") the guys show some true talent. Not just vocally, but the way the music jumps genre's is uncanny.

This might be due to the many soundscapes through out. Using instruments from a string quartet, violin,to the acoustic guitar. This record has it all. Drawing influence from a broad spectrum of music in general. The songs are highly reminiscent of Wolfsheim, Project Pitchfork, David Bowie, and Dave Matthews. That falls into four completly different types of music.

The entire album has dance elements but songs like "girl of 18 summers" and "turn off the radio" really flow for dancing. Reminding me alot of Wolfsheim. Then for a folk twist the tracks "heavenly creatures" and "golden days" sound as if they could have been pulled right out of a Dave Matthews record.(except with better vocals) Let us continue, tracks like "virgin mary" and "shes running" have that light rock edge kinda like classic David Bowie. And last but most important is "sibyl vain" and "sensation white". Which have an industrial/gothic feel to them. With darker styling vocals very much like Project Pitchfork.

So there you have it. An album that has a little for everyone, and alot of talent. I would recommend it.

Kenneth Suttles
For more info check out [the website]

I am a new fan to 18 Summers. 18 Summers consists of two members Felix Flaucher and Frank Schwer. I recently discovered the band on myspace not too long ago. After hearing samples of their music, I was hooked. I loved the group's blend of goth, synthpop, and folk music. It is nothing like I am used to hearing. VIRGIN MARY is my first 18 Summers cd which I just got today. The music is amazing. One minute I could be listening to a beautiful folk song like "Virgin Mary", the next I will be listening to a catchy synthpop song like "Girl of 18 Summers". I love the fact that this duo doesn't adhere to one particular sound. While I love every song on the album, the songs that really stood out with me are the folk-based tracks like "Heavenly Creatures " and "Dr. Leyland". The lush acoustic melodies and haunting lyrics really captivated me. As I am listening to VIRGIN MARY again, I have yet to find a song that I do not like. The music is so nothing like a lot of the traditional synthpop music that I listen to on a regular basis. 18 Summers totally made a fan out of this new listener.