Vlimmer, the indefinable project of Alexander Leonard Donat, returns to a format he enjoys: the single with a B-side version. For some of us who grew up in the ’90s, this is an appealing format as it presents a new track while also allowing you to discover a song that the artist loves or get to know a different side of one of your favorite compositions. After five albums (one per year), several singles, and numerous side projects, Alexander Leonard Donat’s work seems to be among the most complete and interesting of this era we live in. As always, the single has been released by his own label, Blackjack Illuminist Records, and is available for digital purchase or in a limited edition of fifteen copies on CD.
In the years we have followed Vlimmer‘s music, the only thing we can say that is common to all is that it is unique and surprising, and those same adjectives could be used to describe “Aufbeißer,” his new track. It’s a dreamy, otherworldly composition that is also strangely catchy. Alexander sings with a tone that is both sad and nostalgic, supported by very emotive synthesizers. Vlimmer has an advantage with the chosen cover: I’m not a fan of Peter, Bjorn and John, so, as with other times, it’s hard not to prefer his take on it. “Young Folks” was a very popular track in 2006 and the following years, a true indie disco hit. So, covering such a famous song and coming out victorious seems like a true challenge, especially including the widely recognized whistle from the song, which at some point became a bit weary. Vlimmer‘s version is slower, recognizable but with an unsettling atmosphere that provides a different reading of the well-known track. It’s a very good cover of a song I personally never thought I would like to listen to again.
