The German
musician/composer Markus Apitius has just released a new album which is
the crowning achievement of his remarkable career, SINKING FISHING TRAWLERS
OFF THE COAST OF SENEGAL. Apitius, joined by Christian Schaal (bass, viola)
and Matthias Ebbinghaus (cajon, percussion), delves deep into ten of his
own compositions, each one of which has something powerful and important
to say about the human condition.
The Cologne-based Apitius not only handles all the vocals on this new
release, but plays grand piano, keyboards, guitars, Animoog and thumbjam.
He also helped mix the album.
Apitius, who writes and sings in English, shows great versatility on SENEGAL;
one of his songs, Dinosaur Eyes (about the break-up of a love affair),
has its roots in the blues; another (the anti-war ballad, Boys) has a
sardonic, Kurt Weill-like feel to it. The other songs comment on equally
universal themes: such as the death of dreams, the tragic plight of a
junkie, the madness of our speeded-up lives. At all times Apitius and
his band-mates produce some glorious and memorable sounds, sounds that
are sometimes other-worldly and eerily beautiful.
It remains for some record company–and/or film producer–to recognize
Apitius’ talent by showcasing his work in a major way. He is one
of the most important composers of our time.