‘Kim Raver / Love Idol’ is Mathias Schäffhauser’s latest project for Tiefschwarz’s Souvenir imprint, following his brilliant ‘Spät Noch 'raus’ track previously released (SOUV089). It’s the first full EP on the label from the Ware Recordings boss, and it’s one of the best things we’ve heard come out of the artist’s twisted mind in years, and that’s saying a lot! This double-header of original tracks (with remixes from Sierra Sam and Tobias.) is an absolutely immense package of stripped back electro-techno dance music designed for true floor rocking potential and a release people are going to demand to know about once they hear the music loud and clear.

Kicking things off is ‘Kim Raver,’ a bass heavy, fazed-out stomper centered around a shape shifting vocal harmonic. Soaked in reverb, the track glides along effortlessly whilst the ‘ahh’ vocal samples comes in and out of play, each time reappearing in a slightly different form and growing with intensity. Relentlessly groovy, ‘Kim Raver’ focuses the majority of its attention on changing the track’s storyline with subtle effect alterations whilst it drives along at a patient pace, never releasing the flow. It’s one for hypnotic moments and well-tuned speakers.

Remixing ‘Kim Raver’ is none other than Belgian Berliner Sierra Sam (Pets Recordings, CYRK) who dips into Detroit Techno territory with his own unique interpretation. Reimagining the vocal samples into a much blurrier palette, Sierra Sam puts his attention towards emotion – adding an irresistible melody line on top of thick analogue bass frequencies. Following a long and patient intro, the remix kicks into full force with a thunderous kick drum and crisp analogue claps, while the melodies enhance the experience and the vocal samples offer that distant human touch.

‘Love Idol’ is the 2nd original from Mr. Schäffhauser and is a true testament to his keen ability to paint a gorgeous musical landscape with plenty of space for each sound to live harmoniously. Riding alongside a steady and warm kick, the track focuses on a plethora of gorgeous melodies and sounds placed perfectly alongside one another. Each sound in ‘Love Idol’ presenting an exciting dream-like sonic trip into surreal worlds alongside an ever booming kick drum. Absolutely psychedelic, off-kilter and stunning music from this minimal master.

Rounding out the package is a ‘Love Idol’ remix from Ostgut Ton mainstay, Tobias. Beefing up the elements and dragging the sounds into a dreamlike state, Tobias flexes is studio prowess with this incredibly complex hypnotic remix which gently floats in and out of sonic consciousness like a wave of dark, delightful energy. Remaining just as trippy as the original version, Tobias’s remix embraces the gorgeous elements whilst adding a seriously heady perspective guaranteed to delight those who think they can’t be surprised with electronic music anymore.