Having never heard anything by Berlin-based electro duo The/Das before now, I went in to this review with no expectations and little information on the band. Often that can prove problematic, whilst at other times it allows one to form a completely unadulterated opinion on a record. Fortunately on this occasion the latter proved to be true, and it turns out the début from The/Das is one of the sleekest and most introspective albums I’ve heard this year.
Eschewing the assumption that Germany’s electronic output is all hardhouse and gabba, Freezer is a record which perpetually throbs and pulses throughout each of the album’s eight tracks; an atmospheric undercurrent working in tandem with a lyrical candour rarely exhibited within electronic music circles. Indeed, such is the level of emotion in the music the band have labelled themselves ‘techno tenderness’, a description which is impressively apt.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a German electro record without the influence of the likes of Kraftwerk and Neu! making an appearance, even as subtly as they are do here, but there’s no mistaking the motorik beat on the likes of ‘This Place’ or ‘Operation of Chance’. That’s about as far as the comparisons go, however, and the rest of the record feels more like an exploration of sound and space, and it’s clear that their evolution in to a band proper has afforded them a musical freedom in which they’re relishing.
Opening track and previous single ‘My Made Up Spook’ sets the tone for the album excellently, and throbs to life within seconds; crisp percussion accompanying a euphoric synth that swells in to an emotive chorus. It’s an impressive start to a record that thankfully manages to maintain its quality across the board. Other standout tracks include current single ‘Miami Waters’, a far more chilled affair than its predecessor, and ‘Receiver’ which marks the halfway point and sees a breathy female vocal adding to the tracks haunting feel.
Freezer is a record that harbours an intelligence completely atypical from that of your usual EDM music, not that Freezer is anywhere close to your usual EDM record mind you; in short it’s an album you should spend some time with, appreciate and ultimately go back to time and time again.
[Rating:3.5]
Freezer was released on August 18th 2014 via Sinnbus.
