Mo Klé - Parallel Worlds (12" Vinyl-Album)
The first album by artist Mo Klé, aka René Grünenfelder, will be released on October 29. With Parallel Worlds, the Swiss songwriter releases a guitar-driven record that combines haunting harmonies with pointed lyrics in English and German. He will pre-release the album's title track as a single on October 15.
The album begins with "Parallel Worlds." Soft acoustic guitar chords are accompanied by Grünenfelder's distinctive voice. Only after the first verse does the band join in, expanding the folk song into an indie pop song. In the song, Mo Klé reflects on the stark differences between our worlds and how absurd these different realities can all too often seem to us. Sometimes they intersect. Most of the time, however, we are only confronted with them through our screens. In the maelstrom of devastating news and crises around the world, it's difficult not to sink into powerless indifference and hide behind the walls of our own world.
The opening track, "Parallel Worlds," sets the standard for the entire LP. Grünenfelder and the band have created songs with a strongly organic character—not polished pop songs, but rather pieces with rough edges that reflect the band's serious craftsmanship and joy in playing. Even though the songs have more impact thanks to the larger instrumentation, the essence of the song was always the focus during the recording process. It was important to preserve the original idea that Grünenfelder developed on the acoustic guitar. The result is modern folk and Americana, blending classic and new elements: Guitar riffs reminiscent of Dire Straits, an unmistakably sounding organ, and stripped-down acoustic guitars are just as much a part of the record as synthesizer effects. This musical thread runs through the entire album.
Lyrically, as in the songs "Parallel Worlds" and "Boomerang," Grünenfelder captures his observations of the world and world events and attempts to place them in a broader context. The piece "A Land to Call Their Own" deals with the myth of the American Dream and discrimination against African Americans. "Be My Judge" describes the struggle with self-doubt. "The One" revolves around the expectations of one's true love and the disappointment when it all vanishes into thin air. Grünenfelder becomes self-ironic and satirical in "Self-Criticism" and the German piece "Sonntag."
The single "Parallel Worlds" will be available on all download and streaming services from October 15th. The album of the same name will follow on October 29th. The album is available on vinyl and CD in stores and on Timezone Records. The single and the album will be released on Grünenfelder's own label, Horse Behind A House Records.
1. Parallel Worlds
2. Be My Judge
3.The One
4 Boomerang
5. A Land to Call Their Own
6. Love In The Time Of
7. Self-Criticism
8. Sunday morning