Album of the Week: Peter Sturm - Meteoritenschauer [Particles]

I'm 8 days into 2016 and I'm already exhausted, but at least it's all been for good reasons. Between the launch of Tontario x Leo Islo's tune 'Coexist' on iTunes (and other official distribution platforms), a soft announcement of our forthcoming record label PUZL Records, our upcoming 3 Year Anniversary, and an amazing Guest Mix from Sacha Robotti to kick off our #weeklymix series I've created a long run on sentence...

Peter Sturm - Meteoritenschauer

The album of the week comes from one of my favorite labels, Particles. I first wrote about them when reviewing an amazing tune by Somersault called 'Space is Big' and since have procured a significant amount of their discography and will be shortly doing the same for this fantastic album by Peter Sturm called 'Meteoritenschauer'. This epic odyssey travels through space and time delivering a host of cosmic energy with each passing beat, opening big with 'Roter Himmel'.

Roter Himmel

The track opens up with an array sounds from multiple layers of panning arpeggiated synth stabs and subtle saw wave bass notes to sharp shakers and a super big, round driving kick. The initial bars of the song can feel almost overwhelming to the sense but Sturm makes sense of it all with perfectly executed transitions that allow long looping elements to bleed in and out of one another seamlessly. Hints of acid style modulation and analog FXs harmonize with elongated notes that transform and morph effortlessly to demonstrate a composition saturated with diversity and complexity. I keep reflecting on this track and draw some comparisons to Simian Mobile Disco.

Meteorit

A charging kick runs underneath a gated, grainy saw wave synth loop interjected by a host rim shots and other quick percussive pads. While an angry phased guitar style bass chords rumbles, a slow rising vocal pad builds into the foreground but is quickly overwhelmed by a big powerful gritty riff. A host of other vocal pads join the foray while tight woodblock hits round out a energetic percussive array that shifts in combinations to provide a healthy rhythmic variety. A characteristic within this album is the effective use of long held notes allowing other frequencies to join in the composition with resounding effect. A light dancing piano floats along during a mesmerizing breakdown further adding character to an enigmatic soundscape. The mixdown and mastering of these pieces of music are fantastic and you can really hear the depth and range in each layer avoiding any sense of muddying a complex arrangement.

Kometenschweif

Heavily panned and delayed FX pads running around the stereo while a direct and angular pad prods its way to the foreground. Rattling rim shots act an early tempo setter eventually joined by a host of vocal pads and thumping kick. The track progresses forward with each additional layer building on the foundation of electrified sensibilities. A host of blips and break beat style shakers and claps are an interesting additive to the percussive family while a host of bells synth pads harmonize with the aforementioned vocal hits. A looping open drum sequence unfolds during one of the breakdowns to further accentuate the rhythmic characteristics that underline a superb journey of auditory exploration. This idea truly resonates throughout the album as you delve deeper into the tracklist.

Wanderung

When considering the development and build of drum and instrument racks you really can appreciate Sturm's ability to provide a healthy variety of ideas. As the track title infers (Wanderung means Hike) Sturm, much like a painter, guides our ears along a wandering trail of sounds. A soft kick intermittently sets the pace for the tracks main rhythm while a host of drawn out washes and FXs create an ethereal environment. A simple chord progression loops every few bars creating engaging harmonies with a host of other pads. The use of panning has been mentioned a few times already but there is a real understanding and intentional use of selective stereo output amongst each of the layers of this song. In my mind I picture a young kid playing with a collection of transceivers and modulators of an old school radio setup out in the wilderness.

Paarung

Paarung really illuminates the deep techno style that permeates from many of Sturm's concepts. A steady rhythm is formulated by a low resonating kick drum, heavily flatted stacatto snare pads that intertwine with a quick hi-hat loop. A subdued synth pad generates some calming melodies that harmonize with lengthy string and vocal notes. Long stretches of pulsating arpeggiated modulations bubble forth from the healthy collection of FXs and percussive treatments giving the track texture and depth. As the title suggests, paarung or pairing is the underlying theme of this song as we hear delicate and intentional combinations of all parts of the composition revealed. Deep rolling melodic techno would be my attempt at summarizing what this track is about but at the same time I would be unjustly categorizing this phenomenal piece of original work.

Illuminum

To close out our space flight Illuminum provides a bright uplifting attitude that permeates your emotions with a sense of accomplishment. Sharp reverberating bass notes echo throughout the track commanding the shift into a new section of the musical piece energizing each transition with purpose. The track further unveils a host of FXs and instrumental combinations that, in some respects, have now taken on lives of their own and in a sense developed their own personalities. When introducing even the most simple delay effects to a track and modulating it, you have to be careful of stepping too far out of rhythm and loosing your audience. Sturm seems to have an uncanny ability to ignore that sentiment and truly push the boundaries of what a listener can latch onto and process within a composition. It's with the understanding and flair of an orchestral composer and conductor that Sturm can guide you through his though process with each passing beat.Sturm aka Peter Nitschke is an interesting story narrated by a host of various monikers including a fierce representation within hardstyle and hard techno under the Stormtrooper moniker. If you're into gabber you've probably heard of him. With this latest project Nitschke takes hold of a deeper side to his work with some great melodic releases on Einmusika, Klinik Room, Auricle and Toolfunk. The ability to apply himself to a wide spectrum of electronic music while adding his own flair and unique style gives is inspiring and an example of an artist willing to take risks by experimenting and placing himself outside of a comfort zone. To get a deeper feel for this latest project in the scope of a set dive into a nicely curated selection of seasonal mixes below.---Also make sure to put your ears on this amazing guest mix Sacha Robotti was kind enough to produce for us this week. We are excited to have him perform for us along with MAINK and the rest of the LAMP crew Jan 23rd at Skybar Mondrian for our 3 year Anniversary. Tickets available here: http://bit.ly/LAMP3YREnjoy,MR PUZL