Fräkmündt's most diverse and refined album so far
After two albums ("Urbärglieder" from 2010 and "Heiwehland" from 2011) as well as an EP ("Uufwärts E D' Föuse", 2010), "Landlieder & Frömdländler" is already the fourth record by Fräkmündt and marks their debut on Auerbach Tonträger. With this effort, the group, which took its name from an old term for the fabled Mount Pilatus near Lucerne, stays true to its self-created genre "Swiss Ur-Folk". Fräkmündt, a band that ranks Anna Murphy (Eluveitie) amongst its core members, perceive this as a unique mixture between new interpretations of traditional Swiss folk songs, indvidual compositions and tunes inspired by myths and legends from Central Switzerland, all of which are sung in authentic Swiss German as it is typical of the region.
While "Landlieder & Frömdländler" is Fräkmündt's most diverse and refined album so far, it perfectly exemplifies the ensemble's odd, rustic style. The musical spectrum ranges from thoughtful reflections on nature across wistful renditions of folk tales to drinking songs performed with Helvetian zest for life. With this, the musicians skilfully balance serious content and subtle humour, which makes their music compelling and tinged with Swiss local colour like no other.
