Two satisfying submissions from Zurich’s schutz und rettung (real name Rachid Freudemann), a pseudonym that literally translates to “protection and rescue” — but which is a term used for emergency services, so would more accurately be translated as something like “search and rescue.” I don’t know much about the artist, but the music is as warm as it is taut. “unterland” evokes the qualities of a Caribou b-side; energetic playful syncopation bathed in candlelight. “dumBo Centrale” strikes some of the same notes — but with a glittery and flourishing melodic quality, and a stiffer rhythm reminiscent of something AG Cook might program. No bandcamp for this record unfortunately, but it’s streaming everywhere, and Freudemann was kind enough to let me share with you the mp3s of the songs.
schutz und rettung – “unterland” (mp3)
schutz und rettung – “dumBo Centrale” (mp3)
Ambitious and compelling ambient experimentation from Italian duo Orange and Mountains (Edoardo De Din and Lorenzo Pesci). Written and produced in the Dolomites, this is a bit of an outlier on their new album Pareti, most of which is somewhat edgier, and closer to post-rock. “Via Appia Antica” instead feels like it could be an illustration of the trek up Marmolada; a slow, shuffling initial ascent supported by the twang of dynamic rope, followed by a laborious push through high altitudes, ultimately leading to ecstatic transcendence as the summit is finally reached. Pareti is out now for streaming and on bandcamp.
Orange and Mountains – “Via Appia Antica” (bc)
Last but certainly not least is a brilliant tune from Finnish Planum Collective, comprising producers Recue and Tuune Pauler, and brass player Aki Himanen. This is their first song as a trio — a pristine piece of electronica that manages to marry sharp and busy drum programming with layer after layer of textured enveloping atmosphere, without ever running out of enough headroom for Himanen’s brass to float away. Really beautifully executed stuff, I’m eager to hear more. Out now for streaming or on bandcamp.
Planum Collective (Recue, Aki Himanen, Tuune Pauler) – “Loess” (bc)