Ulrich Schnauss & Jonas Munk: "Passage" out now on CD/LP (via Azure Vista Records) and digital (via Pedigree Cuts)!

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Following the release of ‘No Further Ahead Than Today’ last November Ulrich Schnauss (now a member of Tangerine Dream) wastes little time in bringing us the long awaited sequel to his 2011 eponymous collaboration with Jonas Munk.

There's a prismatic, multi-dimensional quality to these 11 tracks, most likely stemming from the fact that these two producers have each worked with a wide range of styles and musicians throughout their 15+ year careers: Ulrich cut his teeth as a drum and bass producer in Berlin, before releasing a string of highly influential neo-shoegaze records on labels such as Domino and City Centre Offices. Since moving to London in 2006 he's been a member of the bands Engineers and Longview, remixed many artists (from Depeche Mode and Pet Shop Boys to Mojave 3) and since 2013, been a member of legendary band Tangerine Dream.

While Jonas initially became known to the electronica community via his Manual albums on Morr Music and Darla Records, he also has a career as a noted producer on the European psych scene, as well as working on film soundtracks and experimental minimalism.

Fans of the first album’s euphoric and blissful moments will find much to love here, but also themes that gradually unfurl into crisp, symphonic soundscapes. The album is perfectly titled - it certainly has the feel of a journey but not in a literal sense. It feels like an ‘emotional passage’ or one that plays out via a series of dreams.

Opener ‘Amaris’ has many of the Schnauss hallmarks that we’ve come to enjoy from his many shoegaze collaborations and Munk is the perfect foil for this side to his oeuvre - the track chimes and sways beautifully before one of his trademark melodies hits and leaves you breathless. Munk introduces a more progressive aspect to the release than previously heard by the pair on 'genau wie damals', which recalls several 70’s guitar based giants, though in 2016 this is somehow a natural diversion for a record bearing Ulrich’s name.
Mst’ is certainly one for those yearning for the open armed rush of the first album will surely embrace - 80’s guitars and electro drums set the scene for some of the most gorgeous sequencing and melodic synth work on the album. In truth though, there’s no shortage of highlights. The retro futurism of ‘Spellbreaker’ is awesomely addictive and modest standout ‘Caffeine blues’ combines tasteful guitar strokes with a standard of Berlin school sequencing that surely only a member of one of the scene’s key exponents could summon.

Ulrich Schnauss & Jonas Munk: "MST"

Azure Vista Records is an independently owned and operated label based in Odense, Denmark with a strong focus on blissed-out electronic sounds!

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