Zazie Von Einem Anderen Stern – regen:tropfen

Zazie Von Einem Anderen Stern is the solo project of Maike Zazie Matern. From a musical family, the classically trained Matern began playing at a young age and was inspired by her parents’ record collection which featured artists such as Miles Davis and Keith Jarrett. Her more recent influences include Arvo Part, Amiina and Peter Broderick, the latter of whom she recently contributed a piece for an upcoming compilation put together by Broderick which is due out sometime in 2011.

The recording of regen:tropfen was split between Matern’s home and Nils Frahm’s Durton Studio. Opening with a short piano intro, regen:tropfen passes like a daydream and the listener is compelled to give the album close attention, lest one should miss something. Unlike some of her neo-classical contemporaries, the artist chooses to employ vocals which alternate between Swedish and German on many of the tracks. When present, the vocals are sparse and seem to be used as another instrument rather than the tracks focal point.

Picking any one piece as a definitive favourite is difficult in an album of such gems, but seventh track klavierregen is a beautiful piano number which builds and falls, highlighting Matern’s exceptional talent as a musician and composer. Also of note is the wonderful piano miniature of just forty seconds long which closes the album. But, really, every piece is essential listening.

Throughout regen:tropfen, Matern’s mastery of the piano and her classical training are highlighted, the melodies are deep and powerful, as well as possessing an exceptional beauty. regen:tropfen is an exquisite modern classical work which introduces Maike Zazie Matern as an exceptional talent whose star is surely on the rise.

- Review by Adam Williams for Fluid Radio

Available through Drifting Falling

www.driftingfalling.com
www.myspace.com/zazievoneinemanderenstern