It is no secret that I am a fan of tastefully conceived electronic music. As a matter of fact, I have previously proclaimed Ulrich Schnauss to be one of the best electronica artists in the world. Think for a moment what it must take to be considered one of the best. In this day and age, electronica could very well be the second-most recorded style of music, just behind pop. To be noted as one of the best, you have to be really, really good.
Ulrich Schnauss is really, really good. With "A Long Way to Fall", Schnauss has adapted his style of music and even further diversified his sound. His previous releases with Mark Peters and Jonas Munk were shining examples of well-paced electro-gaze music that incorporated some elements of nu-jazz. Both were very good records.
His new solo release taps styles from pop to electro-gaze to 80s-influenced synth. "A Long Way to Fall" illustrates why there is still plenty of room to rise. Layers upon layers of atmospheric bliss join forces with some extra-groovy electronic beats and industrialized samples to create a listening experience that is both fun and challenging.
Also new is the incorporation of some understated, distorted vocals that seem filled with sorrow, but falling just short of all-out creepy. Many of the tracks on this disc are upbeat, while others are filled with downtrodden, sullen melodies.
Electronic music is often criticized as lacking true depth or emotion. Schnauss delivers up a tasty platter of both while keeping the heavy grooves and layered textures of ambiance and looped reverb. This is quite an exciting listen, especially if played at a high volume. Check out the full YouTube stream of the album below. As always, thanks and enjoy!
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