Get Well Soon is a vehicle for the talents of German singer, songwriter and instrumentalist Konstantin Gropper. A deep-thinker, his previous three releases – which have garnered critical acclaim in the mainstream press – have been influenced by folk, classical music and film soundtracks.
By way of contrast, Love echoes pop references, with Gropper fuelling his latest effort with a diet of Tom Petty, Marvin Gaye, Pet Shop Boys, Prefab Sprout, early R.E.M. and Fleetwood Mac.
The result is a multifaceted, indie collection that is a veritable musical box of subtle reference points. Vocally, Gropper’s warm tones would not be out of place with the likes of Damon Gough, Richard Hawley, and Guy Garvey. And his songs would be in equally good company.
A rich and diverse collection, Love works well as a pleasing sonic accompaniment to life, but best when its careful construction and multitudinous nuances are purposefully considered and absorbed.
Never abrasive on the ear, and never overtly derivative, there’s a huge amount going on and the set is exquisitely constructed and delivered. Love doesn’t so much drag you in with kiss me quick promises, but seduce you with its riches which are only fully revealed with repeated plays.
Pop music of the most considered kind, Love is unquestionably a release for the ‘thinking’ man (and woman), and one that can only enhance Gropper’s growing reputation. As for widespread acclaim, Love is unquestionably deserving of it, but it’s more likely that UK sales will rack up exclusively to a subset of Guardian subscribers. ****
Review by Pete Whalley
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.
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Power Plays w/c 15 April 2024
ENMY The Ledge (FiXT)
KAROBELA Get Hard (indie)
KATH & THE KICKS Neptune (indie)
THE BEE TELLERS River Poem (Black Sand Records)
LAUREN FREEBIRD Like A Bomb (indie)
Featured Albums w/c 15 April 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023
14:00-16:00 KATARINA PEJAK – Pearls On A String (Ruf Records)
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