[review] Sven Laux - Homesickness or Nostalgia (Microcosm)

Homesickness or Nostalgia might be Berlin-based Sven Laux's first full-length album, but with steady releases on Archipel, Multi-Vitamins, spontanMusik, Tropic, and Leporelo labels, to name a few, Sven has already introduced listeners to his personal world of music. Upon first listening, it is clear to tell that he takes great influence from techno and house music from past and present. However, Sven's chiseled and refined sound remains refreshingly tight throughout the course of its productions. The Berliner's music contains uniform rhythms to keep DJs interested in including his music in their sets, but the beginning and end of the tracks aren't necessarily tailored like most dance music tracks. Mashing sonic elements with bits and fragments of digitally-imposed drums, Sven has created something unique that he can most certainly call his own. Homesickness or Nostalgia excites the listener from the very first track onward. His music here creates a sort of controlled environment of mystification, giving the impression of sporadic tones while maintaining a calm mood. Vibrant chords remain distant in tracks such as Loan Translation, paving way for stabbing drum patterns and quirky noises. Sven ties in sounds from various field recordings on tracks like Old Miller's Favourite Burgers, adding to the realness that already penetrates the album. Few are able to achieve a full album of creativity freedom like Sven, and the thoughtful placement of sounds is not overlooked. With this full-length set to release on New York-based Microcosm, the Sven Laux sound is becoming more and more apparent.

Tracklist
01. Old Time Radio
02. Jebediah's Liquor Store
03. Jackson's Modern Bakery Coffee Shop
04. Loan Translation
05. Homesickness
06. Kowalski's Trim Removal Tools
07. Avoid the Symptoms
08. Old Miller's Favourite Burgers
09. Nostalgia

Homesickness or Nostalgia will be available from Microcosm on 2/25/11.