Long awaited debut from the duo of Herr Koreander (aka Konstantin) and Leafar Legov. We first heard from Kettenkarussell with the initial offering from Konstantin's Giegling label in 2009. Since then they've only released one other 12" but Giegling has grown exponentially. Their unique brand of organic micro house seems to have fully established itself. With Easy Listening Kettenkarussell move further outside of those boundaries, though. There are plenty of atmospherics to fill in the space; washes of white noise and field recordings add depth and personality to their music. It's almost as if their music is from another time completely. Sounds modulate freely as if being brought back to life off of decaying tape loops. In other places Kettenkarussell seem to explore the sadness of lingering memories, working the Reichian "Spirale" like a vortex into the past. There are rhythmic moments as well, the lilting "Konstant Sleep," or the primal "Krusty Dreams." "Haller" is a mellow breakbeat excursion, setting the tone for some sublime Boards Of Canada inspired melodies. Kettenkarussell seem to like exploring the back alleys of the mind and they do so to great effect. Recommended.
- music label: Giegling 2014
reviewed by Michu Meszaros 09/2014