la grande illusion

It was three years ago in autumn, when the first album of "La Grande Illusion" was released. And while some of us were still wondering how to pronounce it (French and then English) or what might have been the underlying references (not the film by Jean Renoir, but -yes- the groovy postpunk 60s band "The Television Personalities"), some others just felt what it was meant to be: that record reflected the season we were experiencing at that moment - autumn. Some thoughtfulness, melancholy, longing. The rain kept on pouring outside, but inside we were comforted by the music. Now it's back again, this grand illusion: "It's not okay what you did" - no reproach, no exclamation mark, but again a promise. Thirteen songs, most of them about "you" and "me". About keeping one's distance or getting near. Melodies made by strings, keyboards and fluffy beats. And a voice that tells us: elegance can be quite warmhearted.
An illusion may be a delusion. La Grande Illusion is the unity of opposites. A solo project (Heiko Badje), which sounds like a band. An album, accoustic and electronic, analogue and digital, euphoric and sad, playful and serious. If pop is pure surface – how deep must be the depth thereunder? How complex is beauty? And while some are still wondering, others will feel it: just be honest – this record sounds like life as it should be. A bit more dreamy, a bit more fragile and happier than our everyday lives. Let us talk about style and not hype. It's great to have it right now. And this may be the true delusion of La Grande Illusion: it's not deceptive, it's plainly honest.
La Grande Illusion is playing live with a band (players: Tobias Noormann - drums, percussion; Klaus Frieler - bass; Markus Engel - keyboards; Heiko Badje - voice, guitar)