In a musical climate that often seems to be obsessed with hyper-polished production and desperate bids for viral hooks, German singer-songwriter Roland Wälzlein (who records under the moniker Fish and Scale) takes us on a delightfully defiant path with his new album Elf. The 11 tracks on offer here make for a nice follow-on from Fish and Scale’s previous EP Wonderful, building an earthy and contemplative world that pulls gently from classic folk-rock traditions without leaning on cheap hooks or gimmicks. If that sounds good, then why not slow things down and take a listen to the album after reading through this review?
By Jane Howkins
Elf opens up perfectly with Tapestry, a track that has an appropriately reflective note from the very start. The sparse acoustic arrangements set out a worthwhile mood for the listener, establishing a delicate atmosphere in which Wälzlein’s weathered and smoky vocal delivery can take centre stage. Next we have Letter From Paulus, which manages to shift the record into slightly murkier waters by introducing a subtle, mystic edge. The flowing piano and use of the minor key creates a lingering yet enigmatic gravity within the piece that is simply astounding to behold in full.
Holy Man takes on a more positive note, although it’s still fairly stripped-down in terms of the music. It’s a grounded, narrative-driven piece that leans heavily into the album’s acoustic roots, using a subtle set of piano chords to add grit to the song. Then we come to She Says, which is a true masterclass in restraint. The rhythm section gently propels the track forward whilst still leaving ample breathing room for the vocal harmonies to add emotional resonance, making for the best of both worlds.
The pace picks up a little more on Song of a Life, injecting a welcome pulse of momentum into the middle of the album’s tracklist. It almost feels like an open highway moment at first, balancing introspection with an uplifting rhythmic drive that is played out in a nice way on the guitar. Next up we have You Can Call Me Love, a song that follows on from the previous track well, acting as a warm, textured detour that broadens the overall feel of the record without breaking its spell.
Unmask Myself clocks in as one of the longer songs on Elf, acting as a deeply confessional piece for Fish and Scale. The track slowly builds the intensity up as it progresses, mirroring the psychological peeling back of layers hinted at in the title. Another standout moment on the record is The Kid, which features something of a minimalist delta blues groove. Here, Wälzlein stretches his vocal range over a gritty, foot-tapping cadence that proves that roots-rock minimalism can still pack a massive punch.
Then we come to one of my favourite songs on the entire record, titled Stay! It sounds urgent yet intimate, relying on a clever interplay of acoustic guitar strums and atmospheric modulations, making for a palpable sense of restless movement that really speaks to the heart. As you might have guessed, Love Song is a love song, although it thankfully eschews sappy romantic clichés. Instead, this is a mature, weary and tender take on affection that feels truly lived-in and honest throughout.
Finally, we come to closing song Wonderful, ending the record on a gentle but reassuring note. It’s perfectly stripped-back and serene, leaving the listener with a lingering sense of peace and closure, long after Elf has finished playing.
It’s fair to say that Elf is a quiet triumph of soulful sincerity. Here, Fish and Scale has truly managed to craft an organic and beautifully paced record that trades modern sound effects and production features with textured storytelling and a glorious acoustic vibe. Wälzlein has proved here that silence and space are just as powerful as any soaring chorus, which is all to his credit.
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