MP3: Leütenhaven - Still life (trompe l'oeil)
Leütenhaven are full of surprises. Their debut EP opens with a droning art piece reminiscent of The Giant's Dream which then gives way to sharp indiepop anchored by a tight rhythm section and mantra-like vocals. "Still life (trompe l'oeil)" seems straightforward as first, but as the name suggests, not all is what it seems. Three chords and an endless refrain? Not quite. The steady strum of the guitar is a red herring. Listen carefully and you'll hear new harmonies appear as the background shifts in subtle ways. Are those voices real or are they samples? Does it matter? Should we be concerned with each individual element or concentrate on the end result? What's the proper vantage? From my point of view, I find this song to be a sublime, but tricky work of pop art. Leütenhaven lies somewhere between the anxious, overreaching epic-ness of Arcade Fire and the steady workmanship of the Figurines, a melding of craft and inspiration. Unexpected, but welcome.
Leütenhaven - Still life (trompe l'oeil)