Shed - The Traveller Album Review - René Pawlowitz returns from successful stints for his WAX / EQD series and Panamax Project to work as Shed once again.
Although his club orientated material on the aforementioned outlets was of some repute, it is with great delight to the techno scene that he returns to Shed – the alias where the German producer takes on his most daring, innovative and not to mention distinctive persona. Out on Ostgut Ton, The Traveller ranges wildly in moods, taking in a mixture of tracks that stretch from delicate atmospherics to an intensity that lends itself to the dark dancefloor of Berghain. Taking full advantage of the album format, just like he did on his highly acclaimed debut Shedding the Past, Pawlowitz merges many influences and styles into one cohesive and flowing album that displays his constant dedication to push the boundaries of techno. Throughout the album, he seems to draw on the UK’s early rave scene, touching on drum & bass, dub and hardcore, but projecting it through a prism of his contemporary German sensibilities. Pawlowitz seems unrivalled in his ability to create beautiful music that still manages to sound raw. Although his latest LP is not as inherently downbeat as his previous record, The Traveller still has that same sense of being an inward-looking piece of art. Tracks like “Atmo Action,” “44A (Hard Wax Forever)” and “Traveller” have a serene outlook that captures a beauty that is rarely seen in techno. “May Day” is calm too, but showcases a drippy melodic line that fuses with some crunchy breakbeats. We see some bigger breaks on the likes of “Keep Time” and “The Bot” whose spacious sound delves deep into subterranean dub territory. “HDRTM” burns with a loopy, yet intense sentiment, flipping out from its initial dream-like state into resounding drums and layered bass. “My R-Class” is a stream-lined acid attack, brimming with a subtle yet powerful ferocity. The Traveller was such a highly anticipated record, yet remarkably one that seemed to arrive without a hint of disappointment. It is an album that radiates experimentation, but without ever being too indulgent. Put simply, it is innovative and forward thinking but still sounds great. That in itself highlights just why Shed is not just one of techno’s brightest stars but one underground dance music as a whole. Rating: 8.8/10 Tracklist
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