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ulrich schnauss, "far away trains passing by"
Peaceful, serene, warm and endearing. I wonder if there's a farm where Thomas Morr harvests all the prettiest electronic music composers. Although Schnauss' album is actually released from City Centre Offices, Morr Music (you remember, that Lali Puna album you keep meaning to pick up) handles the worldwide distribution outside of the UK.
 
Herr Schnauss has allegedly been doing music for years, yet this is his first major release. Thankfully, he has chosen to use only his six best songs, keeping it under 45 minutes. While the piano melodies, long delays, breathy synths, fluid beats and electronic bass lines are basic, there's something undeniably uplifting about the mix. I sense a strong underlying theme of motion throughout the disc, gently propelling the listener through topographic soundscapes, using some of the most key elements of sound creation and manipulation. Shimmering guitar sounds bring back memories of Cocteau Twins tricks, lush keyboards can easily sink the Boards of Canada and crisp beats are tasteful and never oppressive. 'Far Away' is absent of clicky glitches and is an incredibly clean recording, one which always prompts callers to my radio shows when being played. The perfect setting for a listening would probably be a long bus ride on a sunny day through changing autumn foliage.
 
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