Werkraum -- which is essentially the project of Axel Frank -- borrow liberally from literary sources, including the more familiar Goethe (writer of "Faust"), but with the exception of few traditional songs and melodies, write their own music. This doesn't mean that he can't call upon a few helpers, and some of the more notable assistants are Robert Taylor (Changes) and Max Percht (Sturmpercht).

Each song has a unique flavour that allows it to stand out from the rest, yet without disturbing the flow of the album. "Santy Ano" has a traditional campfire feel, whilst the delicate voice and French lyrics of "La Marmotte" provide an ethereal flavour. My personal favourite is opener "Beware the Jabberwock!", which yes, is the poem by Lewis Carroll, the genius who wrote the children's classics "Alice in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking Glass". The poem is absolute nonsense, but Werkraum are able to imbibe lines such as "Twas brillig, and the slithy toves / Did gyre and simble in the wabe" with a sombre seriousness.

I could go on, but the point has been made. This is a remarkable, varied and highly entertaining album that all lovers of neofolk should have in their collection.