A collaboration between
the Notwist's
Markus Acher,
Tenniscoats' Saya and
Takashi Ueno, and other friends,
Spirit Fest's self-titled debut album is an inspired mix of the talents involved. Recorded in an apartment studio during a couple of weeks while
Tenniscoats were in Munich to play
Acher's Alien Disko festival,
Spirit Fest's vibe is so relaxed and spontaneous that it's easy for listeners to feel like they're in the room with the band. The guitars, keyboards, and piano that blanket these songs add to the cozy feel while grounding the group's various songwriting styles, whether it's the whimsy of
Takashi's "Nambei" and "Shuti Man," Saya's gently hypnotic "Mikan," or
Acher's embodiment of a drizzly afternoon, "Rain Rain." Given the project's nature, it's not surprising that some songs wander more than they might have been allowed to in a more formal setting, but moments such as the experimental jam "Inklings" and "Hitori Matsuri" -- which sounds like a lullaby even as Saya and
Acher sing the praises of being awake while everyone else is sleeping -- capture the album's pleasantly rambling atmosphere. Rambling doesn't mean lazy, however; little touches, like the lovely harmonies on "To the Moon" or the glockenspiel sprinkled like sugar over "Deja Vu," elevate each song.
Spirit Fest transcend their homey atmosphere and deliver something more profound on "River River," a beautiful meditation on change that's as thoughtful as any of
the Notwist's ballads. All in all,
Spirit Fest is a charming working holiday and celebration of friendship. ~ Heather Phares