Ulrich Schnauss (The Extremist)
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Ulrich Schnauss
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German producer of ethereal electronic music which calls to mind such diverse influences as Chapterhouse, My Bloody Valentine and LFO. After much unsigned work under some aliases, the CCO label saw fit to release his debut mini-album, "Far Away Trains Passing By". The album became a critical hit and gained more and more listeners through the next couple years as it seeped into the far East and America. Due to strong word-of-mouth and a devoted following, his follow-up album, "A Strangely Isolated Place", was an even bigger hit. He has also started branching out with collaborations and remixes with Longview, Mojave 3, I'm Not A Gun, Justin Robertson, The Zephyrs, and more.
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Discography
| Appears On: | ||||
| Mayday - The Sonic Empire Compilation (2xCD, Comp) | Die Aussagekraft Der E... | Low Spirit Recordings, BMG | 1997 | |
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Reviews & Discussion
Last night I had the pleasure of seeing Ulrich's first live performance in the USA. Most of the 200 people couldn't make sense of it - too murky for dancing, too crisp for shoegazing. But those people who did were lost in the music, eyes closed and lips moving, trancelike. His music isn't really made for the club, though - for everyone, I think there's a certain time of day, or a certain way the world glances at you, with which his music fits perfectly. It's true that his music isn't revolutionary, but with tracks as wonderful as "On My Own" and "Can't Explain", you owe it to yourself to at least take a taste. I find it delicious.
Ulrich, to me, represents the finest in electronic music, and is by far my favourite musician. This sort of "machines have feelings" statement, combining crystalline electronic production with the most emotional chords of pop, is a recipe followed (or started?) by many others, like Solvent, but none comes any near the mastery of U. Schnauss. It is absolutely obligatory, even to those that are not too fond of "IDM".
Anyone who suggests electronic music doesn't have a soul should embark on a crash course of Ulrich Schnauss.
"Monday Paracetemol" for example, from A Strangely Isolated Place, is one of those beautifully rare tracks that plucks you from the depths of ordinary existence into something wonderfully uplifting and cosmic.
Optimistic with a dash of retrospection, positive with a hint of melancholy, luscious with an extra dimension of immensity.
This is not mere chill-out ambient twiddling, or experimental techno-muso noodling. This is Pure Sonic Bliss. Too unbelievably perfect to ignore.
"Monday Paracetemol" for example, from A Strangely Isolated Place, is one of those beautifully rare tracks that plucks you from the depths of ordinary existence into something wonderfully uplifting and cosmic.
Optimistic with a dash of retrospection, positive with a hint of melancholy, luscious with an extra dimension of immensity.
This is not mere chill-out ambient twiddling, or experimental techno-muso noodling. This is Pure Sonic Bliss. Too unbelievably perfect to ignore.
I first came to the attention of Ulrich Schnauss on Tom Middletons sound of the Cosmos compilation and i was blown away by the quality of the tune to such an extent that i purchased both of his albums through Insound. Needless to say i was amazed and transfixed by not only the lush stings but the composition of each of the well crafted tracks. I can only hope that he gets back into the studio soon and brings out another wonderfull long player.
Both his albums are very beautiful music (just what electronic music needs). His best track though, is "Wherever you are", found in the "Blue skied and clear" compilation. A very talented musician, I hope he continues to write music of such a high level.
I'm not sure what it is about his music, but it really makes me think about everything going on in my life.. both the good and the bad. For instance right now listening to Nobody's Home and it just... makes me feel warm inside, but yet, think about my GF that broke up with me last week after 6 months /sigh
There is a word in Dutch that perfectly describes this music: "liefelijk", which could be translated into: lovely, charming, sweet. But the Dutch word also carries the connotation of something very innocent and tender. Children playing on a sunny day in a field full of poppies for example. Or falling in love. Those rare moments in life that contrast with the violence, pain and lack of understanding, and that make us say "Wow! Life is f*****g beautiful!"
I'm another that agree with the comments above - while it's true that Far Away Trains Passing is not ground-breaking - I have to say it's one of the best and warmest electronic albums I've heard in a long while. Some of this music is so sweet I think I'm getting aural cavities, but I love it! He has a way of creating musical loops, layering them, building them and throwing you a curve just when you think it's getting a little too repetetive. I get them same smile on my face after the 100th listen as I did on the 1st. Great album. I'll be interested in seeing how his music develops.
