ALBUM REVIEW: “The Devil’s Walk” by Apparat

Apparat
The Devil’s Walk
[Mute Records]

Life is full of unfamiliar terrain and random turns made on a hopeful hunch. We are constantly lost looking for guidance on the path to ultimate nothingness. But have no fear; Apparat’s new album The Devil’s Walk is an ideal companion for any mistakes made along the way. After years of influencing the bass-thumping world of techno as co-founder of the Shitkatapult label and touring the world with Radiohead as one half of Moderat, Berlin-based producer Sascha Ring aka Apparat has returned to crafting his solo career producing chilled out electro landscapes.

Released on Mute Records, The Devil’s Walk is Apparat’s first full-length solo album since 2007’s critically acclaimed Walls. On his latest release, the German electro veteran continues to engulf listeners with intensely gloomy music that carefully balances feelings of desolation and exhilaration. Comparisons to newcomers James Blake and Native Son may come quickly, but Apparat solidifies his place atop the pack of melancholic pop crooners with stellar production that stands far and away from the competition.

Haunting pianos trickle behind distorted synthesizers and the light strumming of guitars and cellos to produce a stunningly dark yet uplifting sound that truly shines on “Your House is My World” and the single “Black Water.” Ring’s hushed sultry voice complements his grandiose landscapes in a way that encourages listeners to wander through personal collections of unfortunate mishaps. But Apparat laces a glistening sliver of hope for enrichment through experience in each moment that ultimately emits a sense of hopeful assurance.

So get lost once in awhile. Forget the plan. Stray from the path. Some of the most fulfilling feelings in life result from shattering your comfort zone to embark on dubious adventures. But the correct soundtrack is essential. Thankfully, the troubled mind of Apparat seems lost in this crazy world as well.

Check out Apparat‘s “Black Water”: