Tag Archives: Robag Wruhme

Switched On – Various Artists: Total 25 (Kompakt)

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by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

In another indication of the staying power of electronic music, Kompakt’s TOTAL series has reached its quarter century. In that time the Cologne label have provided annual sighters of where they are musically, and this selection reveals what a variety of styles they continue to have at their disposal.

These include ‘the latest boy band in town’, Pop Vampires Cologne, as well as two tracks from label co-founder Michael Mayer, and a special track written for the occasion by Robag Wruhme, where he sings on record with his family for the very first time.

What’s the music like?

Typically engaging and stimulating.

The Pop Vampires Cologne contribution, Karianne, is flighty but with a strong, rolling beat, part of a selection of music that does indeed have poppier leanings. These include Pandora’s Box from Superpitcher, where Hot Chip’s Alexis Taylor adds a touch of sweetness to the vocals, and a lovely bit of dubby bass from Jürgen Paape and Hella, whose Grace (A Tale) is a treat.

Gui Boratto brings memories of M/A/R/R/S’ epic Pump Up The Volume to the playful Panorama Xpress, while Robag Wruhme’s contribution is the typically atmospheric contribution from minimal means, Starsow Total. Mayer’s tracks are both excellent, with the chattering of Brainwave Technology contrasting with the eventful Erdbeermond, with its serrated groove.

Does it all work?

It does – expertly curated and sequenced, too.

Is it recommended?

It is indeed. TOTAL is still a required diary entry for electronic music fans, Kompakt demonstrating that their music still carries the ability to innovate and, in this case, surprise with its relatively poppy dexterity.

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Published post no.2,711 – Friday 7 November 2025

Switched On – Robag Wruhme – T.O.R. LP001 (Tulpa Ovi)

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by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

A simple quote from the author puts this new release in perspective. In it, Robag Wruhme (aka Gabor Schablitzki) has listened to his audience and released the Tulpa Ovi releases all together on vinyl. His biography accompanying the collection is simple:

My music and I in the spirit of the times? But not before and neither behind? More like in between somewhere? A side street maybe; I like these better than the busy main streets anyways, as you can still discover things. That’s exactly where I want to be.

What’s the music like?

As minimal as the fuss surrounding its release – but rather beautiful too. Wruhme’s approach is very much a ‘less is more’ aesthetic, where details of percussion come through to play a big part in his writing, alongside very subtle but heart-softening keyboards.

That much certainly happens on the intimate confines of Robellada.22 and the intricate Beta Gora, while the tougher beats of Quokka Supra work really well and generate plenty of forward momentum. These are tracks for the shadowy corners of the underground, and the sublime Avo Thal typifies that approach, a track that begins as a closed shop but opens out wonderfully well to reveal a bright, ambient canvas, drawing back the dark curtain on a much brighter painting behind. The textures of Spoddy Spy reach for the stars, twinkling keyboards and all, while there is an exclusive song included, the bumpy beats of Loss Breda cutting away to reveal the dappled vocals of Lysann Zander.

Does it all work?

It does. Wruhme’s use of colour and structure is pretty much impeccable, though keeps an instinctive approach too.

Is it recommended?

Yes, enthusiastically. These are darkly tinged pieces of minimal electronica that reveal warmth and intimacy with repeated listening.

For fans of… Kompakt, Recondite, Max Cooper, Rival Consoles

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Published post no.2,068 – Friday 26 January 2024

Switched On – WhoMadeWho: Synchronicity (Kompakt)

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reviewed by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

Copenhagen trio WhoMadeWho are an established and much-loved force in electronic music, bringing together their various backgrounds of rock, jazz and dance to a project that is always interesting to chart and invigorating to listen to.

Synchronicity suggests more of a jazz influence, and indeed it is there in the idea that each track should be a collaboration with one of the many artists they have rubbed shoulders with along the way. It is their first album for Kompakt in eight years, and includes staples of the label Michael Mayer and Robag Wruhme, part of a guest list also including Axel Boman and Frank Wiedemann.

What’s the music like?

Although it is a set of collaborations, Synchronicity is carefully planned and structured, making a coherent album that works really well from start to finish. Like a DJ set it has a measured beginning, working through Frank Wiedemann’s collaboration Dream Hoarding to hit the groove with Sainte Vie in Hibernation.

There are some really excellent tracks here, from the moody and atmospheric Oblivion, with Mano Le Tough, to the strutting groove of Hamstring with Michael Mayer and the broken beat of Peter Pan Me, another Wiedemann co-write. The slinky undercarriage of Twenty Tears, with Rebolledo, is notable, as is the slightly dubby Anywhere In The World, a shimmering delight in the company of Axel Boman. To illustrate the variety on the album, the preceding Shadow Of Doubt, with Adana Twins, has a lovely open air twang to its guitar, while the scoring for the strings in Cecil – with Echonomist – is sublime.

Does it all work?

Yes. WhoMadeWho work economically, so their percussion is never crowded but still hits the right mark – and their vocals are on point too. Synchronicity could easily lose its emotive punch given the number of people involved, but that doesn’t happen at any point.

Is it recommended?

Yes. The Copenhagen trio are still not as well known as they should be, despite the love they get in electronic music circles, and this release really should propel them onto the playlists of anyone looking for something switched on and new. A really excellent album.

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You can listen to clips of Synchronicity and purchase on LP, CD or download at the Kompakt website