Christian Löffler

It's been over two years since Pantha du Prince released his last solo outing, Black Noise. With his recent experimental Krautrock collaboration with Stephan Abry as Ursprung, diehard Pantha fans craving his melodic, minimal techno offerings might be disappointed. Well, wait no longer, German producer and co-founder of Cologne's Ki Records Christian Löffler releases his exceptional debut full-length, A Forest, on his label. With previous singles released on Pawel's Orphanear imprint, one might conclude that Löffler is an unofficial member of the Dial label family. The similarities continue, as both Pantha and Löffler are deeply influenced by nature, incorporating various field recordings into their work. The opening title track gradually evolves into a subtle, immersive techno number threaded together with organic, wooden percussion sounds and bell-like, melodic chimes. On "Eleven," Löffler collaborates with Hamburg vocalist Mohna, who sounds remarkably like Fever Ray. Her dark, quivering vocal techniques meld perfectly with Löffler's driving, rhythmic structures. "Signals" is another delicately crafted, minimal techno track with infectious percussive shuffles and echoing, melodic bells. Despite sounding similar to Pantha du Prince, in the end, it doesn't matter when it's a good thing, or even better. This is highly recommended and an impressive first release.