enVivo Presents Their Third Album – *Life Is Just What Happens
(…) Those who leave the songwriting to professionals can certainly find comfort in the result—even if it comes with the seemingly casual statement *“life is just what happens.”*
However, the title of enVivo’s new album should not be understood as mere resignation to fate—quite the opposite. The ten musical gems tell such colorful, vibrant stories from life that any shrugging of the shoulders feels joyful and affirming.
(…) When all three albums showcase such a distinctive and rich quality, and even the older songs continue to prove their worth at the band’s many live concerts across Germany, then that is more than enough.
**Beate Baum / Edition from October 14, 2022**
“The band from Dresden presents singer/songwriter pop on their latest EP, featuring handmade acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass, and drums. At the center stands Alexandra Kayser, born in the Philippines and raised in Spain, with her gentle yet powerful voice and her strumming or picking on the acoustic guitar.
In her relatable lyrics, she sings with clear words about love, sorrow, and passion. The band embraces a ‘less is more’ philosophy in their arrangements. Marcus Hetzel’s clean guitar sounds come through beautifully—when he solos, his bluesy roots shine, and with more distortion, he brings a rockier edge.
*’Nothing Left to Say’* is a wonderful, groovy piece of music.”
[…] *am., Issue 04/17*
With *Running*, the Dresden-based band enVivo presents their debut work.
At the center is Philippine-born songwriter Alexandra Kayser, who sets the tone with her voice and acoustic guitar playing—delivering elegant, upbeat pop tunes enriched with captivating rhythmic elements from funk and jazz.
She is expertly supported by Alejandro León on double bass and Marcus Hetzel on guitar—fondly remembered by attentive listeners from the ensemble Sonido.
Everything comes together perfectly here: great songs, pure joy in playing, and intelligent arrangements. We wish them a fantastic start!
**Stefan Woldach / Issue 06/12**
“The Dresden-based band delivers catchy, laid-back pop songs with a South American flair on their debut album. Singer and guitarist Alexandra Kayser impresses throughout, whether in English or Spanish. The funky drum grooves are supported by rich bass lines, while in the quieter moments, jazzy double bass interludes and a masterfully played fretless electric bass create a unique atmosphere. Guitarist Marcus Hetzel completes the sound with fluid pickings or rocking riffs, slightly overdriven and subtly enhanced with effect sounds. The album, titled *Running*, comes in an elegant, triple-fold Digipak.”
Issue 04/12
Die Philippinen sind nah
„Wenn Kontinente aufeinandertreffen dann werden auch musikalische Grenzen überschritten. Die Sängerin der Dresdner Rock- und Pop-Band envivo, Alexandra Kayser wurde als Baby von den Philippinen nach Spanien verschifft und präsentiert mit ihren chilenisch-deutschen Mitmusikern nun ihr erstes Album. Die Debüt-CD heißt „Running” und besteht aus 14 selbst geschriebenen musikalischen Kurzgeschichten, immer versetzt mit einer leichten bis starken Funk- und Latin-Note, die das Potential haben, ihre Zuhörer zum Tanzen zu animieren. Musikalische Eigenständigkeit heißt das Zauberwort und Alexandra Kayser entscheidet sich beim Singen stets entweder für englische oder spanische Worte…“
Tom Vörös / Ausgabe 09.02.-15.02.2012
„Das war ein echtes Highlight im Endspurt des Konzertjahres! Es begann mit dem (leider zuvor nirgendwo angekündigten) Vorprogramm der Band envivo, diese junge Dresdner Combo bietet einen interessanten Stilmix zwischen Rock/Pop und Latin. Chefin Alexandra Kayser, die nicht nur singt und Gitarre spielt, sondern aus deren Feder auch die meisten Songs von envivo stammen, lud ein zur großen CD-Release Party am 10. Februar in der Scheune. Vormerken!“ / Beate Baum
Ausgabe 19.12.2011