Review ANNEKE VAN GIERSBERGEN “La Vie” – EP

Dutch singer Anneke van Giersbergen has announced a new trilogy of releases, the first of which will be available at the end of February this year. The singer, who was part of The Gathering for 13 years, has also lent her voice to many projects, such as Ayreon, but also collaborations with guys like Devon Townsend are part of her track record.

The first release of this trilogy is an EP called “La Vie”. Van Giersbergen wrote the songs shortly after the passing of both of her parents, and the four songs on this release are an emotional reflection of such an intense time.

“La Vie” is an EP that is touching and full of emotion. These songs are soulful and powerful at the same time. They also reflect some of the singer’s darker personal moments, but each of the tracks on this EP also contains a light at the end of the tunnel.

Van Giersbergen had and has a broader approach to music and it is her powerful voice that allows her to add great versatility to her music. Take the opener “One More Nanosecond”. The song has a melancholic feel to it, with goodbyes being a major theme. With all the emotional intensity, the chorus also echoes some gratitude for the time spent with loved ones. Musically, the song features some fragile and quiet moments that create a field of tension with the powerful chorus.

“When I Die” is next and is built entirely on van Giersbergen’s voice in the beginning. It is a song with some sadness embedded in it, with a title that clearly indicates what the overarching theme is. It is a very personal reflection on the end of life, but also on what remains. What is cleverly integrated is the powerful section in the last third of the song, which is an unexpected outburst that works very well.

“More Than a Thousand Words” is a great rock song that sounds rather positive compared to the first two tracks on this EP. It is a somewhat light-hearted swing that comes with this colorful melody. It seems like the darkness has given way to light and color with listening the gently singing saxophone of “More Than a Thousand Words” being a part of the spirit of this song.

“Heal Me” is the final track on this release and is a continuation of a way out of the darkness. Musically, this is a song that reflects the emotional impact of what has happened as a foundation for what is to come. Melancholy and hope are equally reflected in this song, another great moment on this release.

“La Vie” is a very emotional release and the first step of a trilogy that will unfold over the next month. In 2026 the three EPs will all come together and form a full length release. With “La Vie” the first step has been taken and we can look forward to what is yet to come.