Ostseetraum: S/T 12″

Description

Ostseetraum is a small minimal wave band, which, together with bass, guitar, synths, drum machines and vocals, performs scrambled and annoying music for you.

Our take: This debut release from Germanys Ostseetraum strikes me as a cryptic record. Ill paste the labels description here because it captures some of this records enigmatic nature: Ostseetraum is a small minimal wave band, which, together with bass, guitar, synths, drum machines and vocals, performs scrambled and annoying music for you. That description seems to say both a lot and not very much and the record has a similar quality; I cant seem to figure it out, but I play it often. For the past couple of weeks Ive been putting the record on while Im working, and when it would end I would think that was cool but what did it sound like? That sounds like a slight, like Im saying the music was forgettable or lacked personality, but thats not what I mean. After giving the record my first attentive listen, Im reminded of Brian Enos assertion that ambient music rewards your attention, but does not demand it. So much of the music I listen to is fundamentally dramatic, but Ostseetraum never begs for your attention. If youre not totally engaged with the music, the subtle but propulsive electronic rhythms will keep you focused on whatever task youre working on, but when you stop to pay attention, youll hear subtle melodies, interlocking rhythms, and gritty analog textures. Its a feast for the ears. If youre interested in 80s minimal synth music or current bands inspired by it (like, say, Molchat Doma), this is well worth a listen, but even among those similar-sounding groups, Ostseetraums understated approach is special.