by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

Seelenluft is the name by which the Swiss producer Beat Solèr is known to legions of electronic music listeners. The Zurich-born artist has a discography tracing back to the 1990s.

Solèr’s piano is the instrument taking centre stage for Magic Never Dies, though he is keen to surround it with a rich production of analogue instruments as well as electronics. With that in mind he has revisited his film music legacy and sourced string arrangements with the SIF309 Symphony Orchestra of Sofia.

What’s the music like?

Warm and inviting. The opening strains of the title track beckon the listener in, the live arrangements giving extra life to the subtle grooves teased out by Solèr. There are persuasive piano lines, mellow flute textures and curvy string figures – all in accompaniment to Lou Vahou’s vocal.

Vahou shares vocals with Komi Togbonou, who brings sonorous layered harmonies to Come Holy Spirit, a smoky cut with its roots in the jazz club. Toys Toys Toys is another story entirely, Togbonou flexing his vocals over a springy piano riff. The instrumental tracks are if anything even more appealing. Why Is Everybody So Full Of Love is beautifully arranged, textures seemingly glinting in the late sunshine – but Ride The Pram and Nest suggest that Solèr has been listening to and enjoying the music of Debussy, but adding his own slant to things. Homecoming has a lovely, slightly nostalgic feel for signing off.

Does it all work?

Mostly. The vocals might be an acquired taste for some, but Solèr’s arrangements are consistently fresh and rewarding, and invite the mind to wander.

Is it recommended?

Yes – something different for a summer evening’s listening.

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