Berlin-based singer-songwriter Dennis Große-Plankermann, known by his stage name VAVA QUAIL, unveiled his debut album, “Beloved Ashes.” Comprising eight intimate compositions of vocals and piano sounds, the album explores a spectrum of genres, including Alt-Folk, Alt-Pop, Chamber Pop, and Singer-Songwriter.
Inspired by a profound trip to his hometown, Große-Plankermann embarked on a musical journey through his most intimate dreams and memories. The concept behind “Beloved Ashes” emerged from the artist’s complex feelings of both familiarity and alienation while revisiting the place of his upbringing in Berlin.
Reflecting on this experience, Große-Plankermann shared, “I went to where I grew up and was suddenly hit by a feeling unknown to me. Everything seemed familiar and unfamiliar at the same time. Memories in every single corner, good ones and bad ones.”
Over a period of two and a half years, VAVA QUAIL meticulously crafted the album in his bedroom studio in Berlin. He incorporated elements from his childhood and youth, including the grand piano that had been his companion for 22 years, multi-layered choirs, occasional saxophone, and flute.
The resulting compositions are lively chamber music collages that weave together vocals and piano sounds. The album becomes a personal and emotional expression, capturing the essence of the artist’s past and present.
Upon its release, “Beloved Ashes” received critical acclaim, with reviewers praising its emotional depth and originality. Notable publications such as The Independent Spirits, Plastic Magazine, Indie Boulevard, and York Calling lauded the album for its soul-stirring musical journey, originality, and inventive artistry.
Plastic Magazine particularly highlighted the closing track, “Paris,” as a spectacular demonstration of VAVA QUAIL’s originality and knack for purposeful songwriting. The song captivates listeners with its hypnotic soundscape, alternating between alluring layers of melodic vocals and atmospheric piano tones.
Indie Boulevard celebrated the album for its role in overcoming the artist’s sense of alienation and offering a unique and amazing musical experience. York Calling drew parallels between VAVA QUAIL’s work and Joanna Newsom’s “Divers,” suggesting that fans of the latter would find much to love about “Beloved Ashes.” Each track contributes a unique facet to VAVA QUAIL’s debut, enriching the listener’s experience with a diverse exploration of emotions and storytelling.
VAVA QUAIL’s debut album, “Beloved Ashes,” stands as a testament to the artist’s ability to convey deep emotions and personal experiences through a rich tapestry of vocals and piano sounds. With critical acclaim and a diverse range of musical influences, the album promises to be a remarkable introduction to VAVA QUAIL’s unique and soul-stirring musical style. As listeners embark on this musical journey, they are invited to explore the artist’s dreams, memories, and the complex emotions that define the human experience.
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