MUSIC REVIEW: 2Cellos (Luka Sulic & Stjepan Hauser) – Self-Titled

2Cellos
Luka Sulic & Stjepan Hauser
Self-Titled
Sony Masterworks

By: Nevra Azerkan
Rating:

Luka Sulic and Stjepan Hauser make up the duo known as 2Cellos. The 24-year old, Croatian musicians shot to fame after they posted a video online of themselves performing Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” with just their cellos. The video was an instant hit and they caught the eye of Sony Classical and were quickly signed thereafter. The surprises didn’t end there; they were soon contacted by Elton John who invited them to go on his European tour. Talk about a whirlwind of opportunities.

These guys are able to capture the essence of classic songs and to re-work them with only playing two cellos. It’s truly an experience to hear. They followed up “Smooth Criminal” with the Guns N’ Roses hit, “Welcome to the Jungle”. When recording their debut album, Luka and Stjepan were very careful in selecting songs that would sound like an entire symphony when only two cellos were being employed.

The entire track listing includes: “Where the Streets Have No Name” (U2), “Misirlou” (Theme from Pulp Fiction), “Use Somebody” (Kings of Leon), “Smooth Criminal” (Michael Jackson), “Fragile” (Sting), “Resistance” (Muse), “Hurt” (Nine Inch Nails), “Welcome to the Jungle” (Guns N’ Roses), “Human Nature” (Michael Jackson), “Viva La Vida” (Coldplay), “Smells Like Teen Spirit” (Nirvana), “With or Without You” (U2) and if you buy the album off iTunes you will get the bonus track, “Fields of Gold” (Sting).

“Smooth Criminal” and “Welcome to the Jungle” are the obvious stand out tracks along with “Smells Like Teen Spirit”, “Use Somebody” and “With or Without You”. The record lacks an array of variety with multiple songs from the same artists being featured (Michael Jackson, U2 and Sting—if you get the bonus track). Since this is essentially a cover album with a unique twist,  I would have liked to hear more popular tunes. “Viva La Vida” is a great song, but I think an older Coldplay track like “Clocks” or even “God Put A Smile Upon Your Face” could have been a better choice.

There’s no denying these guys are talented and they are really on to something, but their debut album seems rushed. It contains a few notable tracks, but I think they have exhausted their next single efforts. I hope their following album will show more diversity and have more kick to it. Choosing the perfect tracks is the first feat, followed by being able to spin it into something that’s completely your own. 2Cellos has the second part down, now they must work backwards.

For more information on 2Cellos visit their Official Website and/or their Facebook page.