Three’s a tradition

I just took a look what I wrote about “Grau 2” some time ago. Most of what’s written there about the virtues of this series can easily be applied here. The “Grau” universe is a very tightly defined one, very specific. The ingredients don’t vary. Not even the accompanying message on the respective Bandcamp pages: “a tribute to the Rastafari Elders”.

It speaks for the quality of the series that this tight conceptual space still doesn’t feel repetitive in its third installment. Every aspect that defines this quality is kept at the same high level, everything else is treated with open-mindedness and creativity.

This is even more true for “Grau 3” than for its predecessor. This time, there is more diversity in rhythm, with three of the four pieces serving slightly more unexpected foundations for the Dub spaces and the Elders’ messages.

Only the first track, “Hemisphere”, takes a more conventional rhythmic approach. Straight four by four, stabs gradually assembling and connecting in a way that reminds of Rhythm & Sound’s “Mango Drive”. Less Mango though, more reduced, less tropical, doing only what’s absolutely necessary, building and disassembling very elegantly. As in all of the tracks of the “Grau” series, the unhurriedness is pure meditative bliss, in the case of “Hemisphere” even without any words from the Rastafari Elders.

For “Laren” the recipe is already expanding. It starts out with seven successive low frequency impulses, like soft kicks, held in check by quick brushed hi-hats and/or shakers. Short heartbeat-emulating stabs are supported by just three soft kicks, the sparse Dub space is populated by the Elders. Very immersive.

“Gauntlet” surprises with an unusual swing, a rare and welcome form of deep funkiness. Slow, wet hi-hats on the off beat, cleverly placed rim shots, more forward motion than on the other tracks – I keep being reminded of early Sofa Surfers tracks. So cool you almost forget to listen to the Elders speaking. This is as close to the dance floor as we will get on this series. You can free our mind and let your ass follow, all in one go.

“Arrays” travels at seemingly high speed, somewhere around 140, but that’s a matter of perspective. You might as well say it’s 70 with the hi-hats doing double time. It opens the deepest space of all four tracks, so do yourself a favor, give it high volume on an excellent hi-fi setup, perfectly central sitting – no, no headphones. Not that this weren’t an advisable choice for the other three tracks, but this one really calls for it.

“Grau 3” doesn’t just sound magnificent – Mr. Weisemann applying his fabulous touch as usual – it’s a great looking package too. This time I went for the super rare splattered vinyl. Looked fantastic under the Christmas tree. For next Christmas I hope to find Grau 1. Fingers crossed.

Release for review:
UNKNOWN – GRAU 3 (CONCRETE VERSIONS) – FREUND DER FAMILIE – GRAU 3

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