Nielozilla
Dies Natalis : Tristan (D, 2003)**°
Like many new German acoustic groups, also Dies Natalis is influenced by the traumatic dark or sad sphere of neo-folk in the German speaking countries, but stylistically it is expressed with much more brightness. Only two tracks, like the intro with Gothic piano and whispery German spoken word remind me a bit of groups like Artwork & Goethes Erben. Most other tracks are English songs which have some slight accent in the articulation of the lead singer. These songs are driven by double acoustic guitar and dual vocals. The female vocals and vocal harmonies make the sound especially fresh and even sweet.
The songs are basically simple, but not at all simplistic or minimal; they are just honest and have some innocence withan open atmosphere. In some way I find it a shame most songs are sung in English, because the songs in German sound most poetic. Such songs make them fit better into the heritage of groups like Witthüser & Westrupp. The acoustic guitars/duo vocals would fit perfectly with additional cello or xylophone, and luckily indeed have some cello, by Silvia Kowalke, here and there.
Dies Natalis also have another, limited 12" release, “The Bright And The Pure” about the last days of the Cathar people.
