The songs of Swiss chansonnier Dagobert have always stared into deep abysses and illuminated even the remotest corners of the soul with their hauntingmelodies and direct words, but they have never sounded as dark ason his aptly titled new album "Schwarz". Album number six is full of harpsand flutes and church organs and dispenses with any kind of percussion. The adventurous arrangements make Scrooge's lyrical meditations on death and loss even more vulnerable and touching. And as we are relentlessly introduced to the feelings and truths that honestly hurt, the new songs also embrace us with an unexpected gentleness and tenderness.