#mokumo

This week I have chosen to review STL's breakthrough release "Silent State". 

STL or Stefan Laubner runs an incredibly well established and reputable label "SOMETHING". Responsible for exploring the deeper, minimal underground techno and house sounds, Stefan's style is special. His production skills are second to none and his work artistically is unique. Following releases on Perlon, Styrax and SOMETHING, he gives us a fresh batch of works on German label Smallville. 

The track has a very bold and repetitive structure. With a minimal drum pattern and use of little percussive elements, the song manages to hypnotize listeners within a matter of seconds. Behind this narrow, pumping beat is a wave of synthesis and dubby atmospheric effects. There is an atmosphere of white noise that brews throughout the track, coming in and out of focus, rising and lowering building hype and mood. As I mentioned earlier, Laubner's production skills are one of a kind. His ability to manipulate synthesis to create such a relaxing but at the same time perfectly dance orientated track is a rare occurrence. 

The next track I have chosen to review is "The Story About You" from Moomin's debut album of the same name. Berlin based producer Sebastian Genz made his breakthrough in 2011. While he had few releases out already, his true ability as an electronic producer was demonstrated with the release of his debut album which rose to critical acclaim. The album inspired producers worldwide and re-invoked the notion of a coherent, credible listening experience. Through his use of famous samples from artists like Air, combined with his love for analogue equipment, Sebastian has created a timeless piece of art that not only showcases the potential of house music but also the potential of Moomin. 

The Story About You is an emotional journey. The song pays tribute to a much more meaningful side of deep house, steering away from a dance-floor orientated purpose. However, that being said, the track holds a 4/4 structure and while it may appeal to the home-listener, inevitably the dance-floors will call for it. To describe this track, one word comes to mind, minimal. The minimal side of electronic music has certainly risen once again. With producers like Franklin De Costa, Roberto Rodriguez and Superlova (to name a few) making dance-floors sway with a kick, some hats and a lead sound. Moomin pulls this off remarkably. Another important aspect of The Story About You is the use of acoustic recordings (something which electronic producers don't often like to utilize). With organic and crispy clean guitar and piano samples, an sensual, meditative and in some regards self-reflective atmosphere is created. It's a well-known fact that Genz loves his roland gear and the listener is exposed almost immediately in The Story About You  to a beat made up of an 808, 909, 606 and 707 (he even includes a cheeky 808 cowbell if you listen carefully). 

All-in-all the track is a masterpiece. Hypnotising listeners into a deep trance that provokes a thoughtful state of mind. However I would highly recommend listening to the album from start-to-finish rather than singling out this one work art. If you are a fan of Moomin, be sure to check out Strawberry Fields Festival and also My Aeon for he will be performing at this two events in November. 

  TOMSK, known to many as the lovechild of Aphex Twin and Unicorn Kid, presents his audience with an emotionally driven release that pleases sonically and physically. Timothy Ouchtomsky produces a vast array of sounds ranging from conventional house to bush doof “oonce”. In his latest track “How It All Ends” we see Timothy’s skills in progression and rhythm exceed previous expectation. The song has an overwhelming sense of rehabilitation, something we only truly experience while alone. Through it’s bright, uplifting synth stabs and thunder-like drum pounds, a powerful atmosphere of hope is created. Regarding structure, the song follows a textbook electronic 4/4 rhythm, it includes a breakdown section that draws the listeners attention to the melodic synthesis and withdraws the droning, robotic full-force beat. This superb electronic canvas is sure to please listeners from all musical disciplines. I have included a link to the music video created by upcoming Melbourne director and overall creative: Isaac Christie.