by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

This is the first album from Andi Haberl, long-time member of The Notwist, who specialises on drums but is a gifted multi-instrumentalist.

The charming title of his debut masks a darker subplot, Haberl dedicating the record to the house he grew up in – but had to move out of when his parents split up.

Making the album was something of an epiphany, as he fell under the spell of sampling but also mastered a number of different and complementary instruments.

What’s the music like?

Colourful and multilayered – and rather charming. Haberl builds fascinating and compelling textures, rather like the album cover art, and takes the ear this way and that with persuasive melodic loops and bright textures.

There is a homemade feel to his writing, but a deep set emotion too, meaning that tracks like Sun, while initially revealing their charm, have a more substantial impact when listening back. The elegant Low, too, reveals a great deal with its softly moving piano line, before the softly chugging heart comes through.

Influences on Haberl’s music range from Krautrock to Steve Reich but are never too explicit, and there are winsome harmonic twists that are very much his own. His creative way with instrumentation adds to the appeal, with the doleful piano of Rain On Me countered by mandolin.

Best of all is the title track, where urgent minimal riffs compete and build to a thrilling finish.

Does it all work?

It does. Haberl has great musical instincts, constructing his melodic sentences with instinct and dressing the music with rich harmony.

Is it recommended?

Yes, with great enthusiasm – Andi Haberl has made a colourful instrumental album with unexpected meaning to be found in its musical corridors. This particular house is full of character and charm.

For fans of… Haiku Salut, The Notwist, Public Service Broadcasting, Lemon Jelly

Listen and Buy

Published post no.2,208 – Thursday 13 June 2024