Faun- Renaissance

Another fine medieval outfit brought to America by Dancing Ferret Discs, Germany’s Faun call their music as “pagan medieval renaissance folk,” but it’s not nearly as embarrassing as the description would lead you to believe. With lots of lilting female vocals, bagpipes, strummed acoustic guitars and flute solos, this album will definitely appeal to fans of Corvus Corax and Estampie. While there are occasional tastes of modernity, like the electric guitar buzzing at the end of “Rosmarin” or the drum machine throbbing beneath the surface of “Rhiannon,” the majority of Faun’s work is solidly rooted in tradition. “Das Tor” is a lovely air, sung in German over deep, muffled wind instruments and soft harps, while plucked strings and gentle flutes adorn the tranquil “Koenigin.” Faun also have their more upbeat moments. “Satyros” and “Da Que Deus” are more acoustic than crossover acts like Qntal but no less danceable, and the exotic “Iyansa” starts off with quiet exoticism and echoing wooden flutes but builds to a frantic crescendo of ululating voices and pounding drums. These are all tremendously atmospheric pieces, but very European in feel, with the singing done predominantly in Latin or German. Fans of more eclectic world music, however, will appreciate the more otherworldly “Sirena,” which is reminiscent of Dead Can Dance’s better material despite a rather clichéd use of ocean sounds in the beginning. Renaissance is a stunningly pretty album, by and large, and medieval fans should definitely pick this one up, especially now that it’s available as a domestic release in the U.S.

Visit www.faune.de and www.dancingferret.com for more information.