It all seems to be a matter of balance for US/Austria-based band Lehnen. Their album, This Could Be Our Dream Home, seems to confirm this with a highly impressive debut that draws from each of the band members’ own musical influences. Lehnen came together when two American musicians met in, of all places, an Austrian elementary school. It was a strange twist of fate that resulted in a lasting friendship. They spent a short spell in the US. When they returned to Austria in 2005, they formed a band. That band is Lehnen. It seems to have been destined to happen.The two young Americans were vocalist, guitarist, and organ player Joel Boyd, and drummer and keyboard playing Matthew Prokop. Soon after, they were joined by Stefan Sieder on bass, accordian, and background vocals, and Martin Konvicka who adds his skills on keyboards, guitar, and synths. Each member enriched Lehnen by bringing to the group some of their own diverse influences. Joel was into post-hardcore, whilst Matthew was influenced by electronic music. Stefan meanwhile was listening to a wide range of Indie rock, while Martin played folk. Despite all the variants at work, there is a chemical bond taking place within the band. This has resulted in a blend of the best of everyone’s influences and styles, resulting in a debut CD that is highly effective. As unlikely as it sounds This Could Be Our Dream Home successfully balances all these opposites in an album that works on every level.Nicely understated electronica sits alongside, for example, glockenspiel and accordion. Yes it is undoubtedly eclectic and most definitely diverse. As strange as the band’s formation was, it works. They have achieved the all-important balance and produced an album that will draw you in, ignite your imagination, and leave you wanting to hear more.Lehnen opens with the brilliantly titled “Learning How Not To Love You”. Let’s face it, most of us can identify with that title. It’s an excellent introduction to all things Lehnen, with subtle electronica slowly building into ringing guitars on a track that will recur in your mind long after it fades. Simple, yet passionate and deserving of volume, it is an impressive opener. “Let’s Take It Slow” soars in with keys and jagged guitar. “I, The Rocket”, which is slightly reminiscent of Keane, is underpinned by an effective bass line. “Black Shapes” and “I’m Your Chemical” add splashes of colour and ensures that the band keeps you locked in.“Check Our Pulses” sits as a mid-set highlight with its infectious hook and chiming guitar. The gently paced and well-constructed “One Foot In” opens with striking piano and effective Edge-like guitar before once again finding that aforementioned balance. This is, without doubt, a potential live set, crowd-pleasing moment. Other highlights include the stand out “Daredevil”. Complete with shades of Coldplay’s Jonny Buckland, it shows a maturity of songwriting that radiates out of the speakers. This is underlined by the soothing opening and gentle hook within “Summer Princess Is A Winter Queen”. “Digital Bells” includes the excellent and worrying line, “Are you watching all your favourite shows or is your TV just watching you get old?”
"A sinister cabal of superior writers."
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