Review KADAVAR “I Just Want to Be a Sound”

The new album from the Berlin-based rock collective Kadavar is an interesting one, showcasing new facets of the band’s musical style. “I Just Want to Be a Sound” is the title of the band’s seventh album, which now operates as a four-piece.

Kadavar is known for retro-inspired rock music with musical roots in the ’70s. We could expect a fusion of psychedelic rock, stoner rock, and a solid vintage metal factor from the band, and it was this blend that made records like “Berlin” so stunning. After listening to the latest release, I was left speechless, though not because of the quality of the music. Rather, it’s that Kadavar shows a new aspect of their sound. “I Just Want to Be a Sound” is a really cool record that shifts away from their trademark sound towards a modern, upbeat feel.

The anthemic “Let Me Be a Shadow” showcases the band’s complete transformation, with nearly pop-like vibes. Listening to such a song feels like enjoying the music of a band that has started a new chapter and doesn’t shy away from electronica. The laid-back “Sunday Mornings” exudes a lazy Sunday vibe, with atmospheric synth components complementing an outbursting finish.

This amazing musical journey begins with the title track. It is a lighthearted opening with a positive spirit, and one wonders if this is the same band that launched roaring rock/metal hybrids like “Last Living Dinosaur.” It is, and the album artwork’s theme carries over into the colorful music. Next is “Hysteria,” a throbbing song with a hypnotic feel that shows a different shade. “Regeneration” unleashes the rock beast more than the previous two songs, though it’s still far from the early days.

The second half of the album begins with the heavy, pounding “Scar on My Guitar,” one of the heavier moments of “I Just Want to Be a Sound.” Despite being the heaviest track on the album, there is a basic ease that makes “Scar on My Guitar” an addictive rock song with a perfectly crafted chorus. With “Strange Thoughts,” the four-piece presents the finest melancholic rock, while the smoothly rocking “Truth” is more of a dark pop song with captivating melodies. The cosmic “Star” transports you to a place where time doesn’t matter, before “Until the End” marks the final chapter of this exciting album.

“I Just Want to Be a Sound” is an excellent album that may disappoint some fans of Kadavar’s earlier work. However, Christoph Lindemann and his bandmates embrace the unexpected, which is reflected in each song on the new album. Kadavar’s seventh album showcases a band that likes to experiment, and their music is an outlet for an open mindset. It’s a bit less Black Sabbath and a bit more The Beatles – that’s how you can sum up the music on “I Just Want to Be a Sound”. Different, yet excellent.