I love discovering new music and I love most discovering good music! That’s why today I’m happy to be here listening to L.O.W, the debut album of the German solo artist Jan Roth and, being a pretty big fan of well crafted instrumental songs, I’m now a new Jan Roth fan. Honestly I don’t know who wouldn’t like the fine balance between post-rock, electronica and chamber music you can find in this set of 8 sounds that goes under the name of L.O.W.
Going through this album it’s quite clear that Roth is influenced by elements of jazz and the outcome is an instrumental music that blends traditional genres with modern alternative sounds. This mix makes L.O.W an album that deserves your attention.
Before this project the German artist has collaborated with several artists such as Clueso and Max Prosa and has played live with German musician Tim Neuhaus. L.O.W. arrives as his solo project with all the passion that Jan Roth has for the world around him.
The wonderful musical journey of L.O.W starts with ‘Glühwürmchen’ and the stunning and warm piano mixed with post rock sound is the best way to open up the album. It’s a triumphant start.
Forget the quiet warm-up and get into ‘Einundzwanzig’. This song is hypnotic, a cinematic soundtrack that captivates the listener. It’s a layered, ambient build around insistent keyboard notes, burbling electronics and harmonic sighs. This explosive mixture leads to a gently euphoric conclusion.
The jazz influence on the German artist is clearly evident in ‘Rastlos’ and its combination with electronic beats makes this song a sound really original.
If you're in the mood for something awesome pay special attention to ‘Siebzehn’, the best mix of post-rock, jazz, electronica and chamber melodies you can find these days. ‘Siebzehn’ is joyful and pursuing, the soundtrack to a shining sunny day. I liked ‘Kleine Freiheit’: the interplay between piano melodies and synths is a work of art.
‘Rinnsal’ and ‘Regen’ conclude the 40 minutes journey of L.O.W and they represent the synthesis of the musical experiment of Jan Roth. Everything is in place. The mix of sounds is notable and won’t betray your expectations.
Jan Roth’s début album L.O.W was released last July 2013 via the Berlin based label Sinnbus. Vinyl addicted can also enjoy the LP version. Highly recommended.
