With his latest offering, To Break, Frankfurt-born, Vancouver-raised singer-songwriter Gert Taberner poignantly captures the raw essence of human emotion as he delves deep into the recesses of his soul, unearthing a piece that is as hauntingly beautiful as it is heartbreaking.
Taberner’s journey in the music world has been nothing short of mesmerising. His 2016 debut, Fallen EP, was a sonic revelation, racking up tens of millions of streams. However, with To Break, Taberner transcends his own lofty standards, chronicling a tumultuous chapter of his life marked by profound loss and introspection.
The track’s narrative is rooted in the tragic passing of Taberner’s parents, both victims of the cruel clutches of cancer. The weight of these events is palpable in every note and every lyric. Yet, rather than wallow in despair, Taberner finds solace in acceptance, embracing the unpredictability of life and the inevitability of death. As he poignantly remarks, the process behind the record was “traumatically dark,” but there’s an inherent lightness in relinquishing control.
Musically, To Break is a masterclass in restrained elegance. The finger-picked guitar serves as a gentle undercurrent, guiding listeners through breathy verses that echo the hushed conversations of Taberner’s memories. His tender and fragile vocals barely rise above a whisper, encapsulating the delicate balance of pain and peace that defines the human experience.
The lyrics, meanwhile, are a poignant reflection on the transient nature of existence. Lines like “Hearts will break when they wear too thin” and “To live and let die were we born in sin” resonate with universal truths, capturing the essence of life’s fleeting moments and the inevitability of its end.
Perhaps the most striking aspect of the song is its authenticity, as Taberner’s raw vulnerability stands out. To Break offers a moment of serene reflection, a bittersweet ode to the moments that define us.