Search - Bløf :: Blauwe Ruis

Noise, but not pink nor white

yowhatsshakin | Seattle, WA USA | 02/22/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"'Blauwe Ruis' ('Blue Noise') is Bløf's catharsis after the unexpected death of their drummer Chris Götte due to a motor cycle accident. How would you deal with something like that? After a visit to Barcelona, the 3 surviving members decided that they should go further and make an album as soon as possible. The opening tune, 'Weggaan' ('Departure') deals with the pain, anguish, disappointment, anger and all other emotions one may feel after a such an traumatic event. About half of the songs, all with lyrics by bass player Peter Slager, deal with death, separation, love lost and departure. But not all is doom and gloom though. All other demonstrate there is still a silver lining and hope, and that live is worth living.



Musically, the band has grown again. The great addition of drummer Norman Bonink has enabled them to use more complex harmonies and instrumental parts and more involved arrangements. With solid performances by everybody, this album invites multiple listening. As an added bonus, the extra CD demonstrates the high quality melodies the band had produced in their first 7 years of existence. For me a hall mark of excellence is when songs hold up in different forms, from solo guitar or piano, to more elaborate treatments. Thirteen of their songs have gotten the symphonic treatment on 'Tussen Nacht en Morgen' ('Between Night and Morning') with beautiful orchestral arrangements played by Bløf and the famous Dutch Metropole Orchestra for a live audience. Bravo and encore!!"