indie rock / post rock / dream pop
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'Dream noise', a term given by the band themselves, seems to be quite a good description for what you get on this album. On the other hand, I'm used to quite a bit of noise and this is far from noisy. It is dreamy, that I'll admit but still very far from the harsh sounds that often find the way to my speakers. I'll also admit that I really like this album, beautifully blending shoegaze, post-rock and pop rock and that way creating some stunning songs.
Ewian is a duo from Köln, Germany. In 2013 they started working on these songs, carefully composing, writing and recording their songs. 'We Need Monsters' is the second full length, after 'Good Old Underground', which was released last year, a single and an ep. Slowly, Ewian seems to be growing, evolving and getting more and more followers. At least, that's what I hope. They actually deserve it, especially with great songs like opener 'Ticket From Kingdom Come' and 'Star'.
What Ewian does, isn't really new but that's quite impossible these days. Yet, they seem to be experienced and skilled musicians, borrowing influences from acts like Radiohead, Coldplay, Muse, Sigur Ros and many more alternative rock acts. I also recognize some Belgian bands like Zornik, Gorki and (especially in 'Song For The Psychonauts') even Noordkaap/Monza/Meuris*. I'm not sure if Ewian are familiar with these bands but they should definitely take that as a compliment.
Soft, gentle piano passages often alternate with fuzzy guitars. So, there also seem to be elements from ambient, grunge and even a little hint of jazz, meticulously interwoven in the fabric of the songs. Just like the previously mentioned bands, Ewian has a tremendous feel for songwriting, mostly taking on a very emotional approach. Most of the songs are atmospheric ballads, hence the post-rock reference. 'Fragile Ghost' is one of my favorites.
In all, 'We Need Monsters' is an excellent album, certainly one that has the potential to score. Maybe the whole gets a bit too emotional and dreamy by the end, especially for the rockers among us but here too, that problem is easily solved by creating amazing songs. I'm quite curious about what Ewian will do with this material and I hope they will soon tour Europe. I'm sure they will do great on stage and gain a lot of followers that way.
Serge
*These are three bands, fronted by vocalist/songwriter Stijn Meuris and some of the most popular rock bands with Dutch lyrics
Ewian is a duo from Köln, Germany. In 2013 they started working on these songs, carefully composing, writing and recording their songs. 'We Need Monsters' is the second full length, after 'Good Old Underground', which was released last year, a single and an ep. Slowly, Ewian seems to be growing, evolving and getting more and more followers. At least, that's what I hope. They actually deserve it, especially with great songs like opener 'Ticket From Kingdom Come' and 'Star'.
What Ewian does, isn't really new but that's quite impossible these days. Yet, they seem to be experienced and skilled musicians, borrowing influences from acts like Radiohead, Coldplay, Muse, Sigur Ros and many more alternative rock acts. I also recognize some Belgian bands like Zornik, Gorki and (especially in 'Song For The Psychonauts') even Noordkaap/Monza/Meuris*. I'm not sure if Ewian are familiar with these bands but they should definitely take that as a compliment.
Soft, gentle piano passages often alternate with fuzzy guitars. So, there also seem to be elements from ambient, grunge and even a little hint of jazz, meticulously interwoven in the fabric of the songs. Just like the previously mentioned bands, Ewian has a tremendous feel for songwriting, mostly taking on a very emotional approach. Most of the songs are atmospheric ballads, hence the post-rock reference. 'Fragile Ghost' is one of my favorites.
In all, 'We Need Monsters' is an excellent album, certainly one that has the potential to score. Maybe the whole gets a bit too emotional and dreamy by the end, especially for the rockers among us but here too, that problem is easily solved by creating amazing songs. I'm quite curious about what Ewian will do with this material and I hope they will soon tour Europe. I'm sure they will do great on stage and gain a lot of followers that way.
Serge
*These are three bands, fronted by vocalist/songwriter Stijn Meuris and some of the most popular rock bands with Dutch lyrics