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A Series Of Shocks

by Tobias.

/
  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      €10 EUR  or more

     

  • Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album

    01. Entire
    02. Heartbeat
    03. Testcard
    04. Instant
    05. Ya Po
    06. The Scheme Of Things
    07. He Said
    08. Cursor Item Only
    09. If
    10. Fast Null

    Includes unlimited streaming of A Series Of Shocks via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ships out within 3 days
    Purchasable with gift card

      €15 EUR

     

  • double LP | ostgutlp16
    Record/Vinyl + Digital Album

    A1. Testcard
    A2. Heartbeat
    B1. Instant
    B2. Ya Po
    C1. He Said
    C2. The Scheme Of Things
    D1. If
    D2. Fast Null

    Includes unlimited streaming of A Series Of Shocks via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

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1.
Entire 04:09
2.
Heartbeat 05:49
3.
Testcard 07:23
4.
Instant 06:19
5.
Ya Po 06:46
6.
7.
He Said 07:12
8.
9.
If 06:05
10.
Fast Null 06:21

about

Tobias. | A Series Of Shocks | ostgutcd30/lp16

“A Series Of Shocks“ is the second solo album from accomplished Berlin based producer Tobias Freund.

Continuing his exploration into “non-standard“ electronic music, and expanding on the rich sound palette charted in his first LP, “Leaning Over Backwards“ (2011, Ostgut Ton), this new chapter presents 10 versatile tracks taking us ever further into the purist, evolving sonic world of Tobias.

A warm wash of synthetics begins it all with opener “Entire“, a lush synthesiser sequence with additional contributions from NSI.'s Max Loderbauer, the track casually flaunts the sheer depth of sound and sense of space awaiting the listener. Varied, playfully contrasting moods then follow, with great finesse and an ever-present attention to detail. Freund's live shows, where the use of either the Roland TR-808 or TR-909 has become an integral part, have clearly played a role in the development of the Tobias. sound manifesto, and a large proportion of “A Series Of Shocks“ has the 4/4 structure at its “Heartbeat“ - indeed track two takes this as its namesake, in a submerged and tense exercise.

Exceptions to that steady throb are also a joy to be found, with the frenetic techno syncopations of “Testcard“ offering an early moment of broken-beat hypnosis, and later excursions into breaks like the euphoric “Cursor Item Only“ or the brash dub of “If“ prove there are indeed complex systems at work.

Reaching for more energetic zones, fans of classic Tobias. jams like “Street Knowledge“ or “Dial“ will be pleased to find several well-honed and on-target club tracks, like the textural “Instant“, “He Said“, or the more meditative, but no less visceral “Ya Po“. Snaking, arpeggiated synth patterns are Freund's go-to tool to build paranoid, yet at once funky and complex moments of mystery. Repeat listening will reward the listener by unearthing even more subtleties beneath these undulating elements.

For an album produced largely with machines, the end result is in fact anything but rigid; a multitude of dynamics breathe life into every track. Synth elements swim in tension, build and recede with grace, and intertwine themselves into oblivion. Warm, natural drums state their presence, but do not overpower, letting the sum of the parts create the power, rather than merely the kick alone. The resonant sting of “The Scheme of Things“, matched with its smooth undertones illustrates this perfectly.

With clarity of sound and a conscious mind to allow each element its place, Tobias. has found a maturity and a true art in controlling the lively dance of the constituent parts. A master at the mix-down, everything gels; nothing is left in-concluded. This sense of togetherness continues until the very final bars of “Fast Null“ leaving us in a suspended moment of wonder, and appreciation.

What becomes apparent is that this album carries not only sixty-one and a half minutes of inventive contemporary electronic music, but also decades of experience, knowledge and passion for an artform that can only grow through the work of activists such as Tobias Freund.

credits

released March 31, 2014

Written & produced by Tobias Freund. Additional sequencing on “Entire” by Max Loderbauer.

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Tobias. Berlin, Germany

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