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

Listen & Buy

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