Band: von Konow
Members/Instruments:
Marko von Konow, vocals, keyboards and programming
Timo Vikkula, Guitars
Tommi Pietiläinen, Guitars
Jari kääriäinen, Keyboards
Paco Halonen, Bass guitar
Ville Särmä, Drums
Album: Lieder
Production: Marko von Konow / Vild Music
The natural ease of maturing into each new meaningful stage of life is an essential quality for people to possess, especially as they enter adulthood. Acquiring the all-too-important ability to grow and adapt to each new obstacle life presents comes from powerful and engaging inspirations. Finnish singer-songwriter-instrumentalist Marko von Konow is sharing his essential insights into how people can approach their relationships, as well as their views on their own lives, on his new solo album, ‘Lieder.’
The recently released record features stunningly diverse vocal and instrumental styles, as the musician reflects on the equal happiness and melancholy of intimate encounters and travels he has endured. His distinct tracks include stunning reflections on some of the most influential fragments and moments of his life, which create a liberating and complete journey when played in succession.
‘Lieder’ begins with the mesmerizing and memorable entry, ‘Cosmic,’ which intriguingly mixes electronic and musical theater elements in its instrumentals and vocals. The empowering orchestral melody, which refreshingly includes a French horns and a harmonica, supports von Konow’s desire to believe that he can succeed in living his dream life. With his commanding vocals, he emotionally expresses his wish to be with the woman he loves, but he always somehow manages to miss his opportunity to further develop their relationship.
‘Cosmic,’ which serves as ‘Lieder’s first single, then gives way to the album’s sophomore single, ‘Horses Run With Me,’ which also features commanding vocals and operatic instrumentals, especially the keys and strings. von Konow once again reveals his vulnerable soul through his passionate lyrics that focus on the power of connection.
The next song is the pop-infused ‘Winter,’ which also features commanding strings that draw attention to the musician’s powerful declaration that there no longer is any warmth in his heart. He reveals that he’s stumbling through life in pain, and he finally realizes that he has to be more gentle with his existence if he wants to save himself.
von Konow’s next two tracks, ‘Heartbeat’ and ‘Hello,’ are fascinating rock- and electronic-inspired entries that smartly use gritty guitar riffs and synthesizers to emphasize that he’s been telling himself lies in order to survive. But he has finally realized that he won’t be able to forgive himself if he continues to turn his back on everything he knows.
‘Linder’ unfortunately falters with its next tune, ‘Castaway,’ as its instrumentals overpower von Konow’s vocals that chronicle how he feels like he’s about to lose control, and just wants to be rescued. But the record quickly redeems itself with the electronic rock-inspired entry, ‘Dream.’ With its surprising, but equally captivating, mix of strings, the musician emotionally reveals that he doesn’t give up on his dreams, even when he’s faced with what proves to be a perplexing and difficult reality.
The musician’s intriguing rock album then presents another one of its best songs, ‘Hide And Seek,’ during which von Konow sings about the pain of hiding from pursuing what he truly wants in life. The vocals present the relatable distress people also endure when they accept the revelation that they’re not evolving. But with the help of subtle and soothing instrumentation, including the French horn and keys, the track soulfully evolves, and offers inspirational encouragement for listeners to try to improve what they’re not happy with in their lives.
‘Hide and Seek’ then grippingly transitions in the equally rock-fueled entry, ‘Want,’ which begins with a memorable Journey-inspired guitar and drum introduction. The vocalist heartfeltly sings about his desire to present the best version of himself to the world, even though he’s had to overcome difficult challenges in order to find his best qualities.
von Konow continues his alluring trend of using diverse rock guitar riffs and drum beats on the penultimate song on ‘Linder,’ which is titled ‘Illusions.’ The musician powerfully shares a distinct different side to his emotions, as he harrowingly sings about how he want to start his life over. He relatably wonders if something’s blocking him from changing, and questions if he’s just having illusions of what life should truly be like. He understandably doesn’t want to stumble when he shows the people around him, especially the woman he’s romantically interested in, who he truly is.
The captivating rock album once again proves its versatility on its last track, ‘Like A Breath,’ which proves to be another standout and noteworthy tune from the talented von Konow. While the song features slower-tempo instrumentals than many of the musician’s previous songs, notably on the strings and drums, his vocals feature the same intensity as the record’s previous entries. von Konow emotionally recounts how the woman he loves has truly sees his soul and who he is, which understandably makes him want to embrace her in his life.
The natural ability to gracefully mature into each new phase in life is a crucial quality for people to possess, especially as they enter adulthood. Achieving the imperative ability to adapt to each new obstacle life presents comes from dynamic inspirations. von Konow is sharing his compelling insights into how people can approach their relationships, as well as their views on their own lives, on his new record.
‘Lieder’ features stunningly diverse vocal and instrumental styles, as the singer-songwriter-instrumentalist reflects on the equal happiness and melancholy of intimate encounters and travels he has endured. His distinct tracks include stunning reflections on some of the most influential relationships and moments of his life, which create a liberating journey when played in succession.
For more information on von Konow, visit his Facebook page. Listen to ‘Lieder’ in its entirety below.
