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.:: Musik For Film Reviews ::.

"Musik for Film" from Burning Bowl Records generates an atmosphere of unassuming transcendence - sublime peace, if you will - with its fusion of jazz, reggae, R&B, classic Euro-soundtrack styles, world, chillout in a dub construct that is over far too soon. Once engaged in the oft unpredictable grooves of "Musik for Film," it's a guarantee no other CD is gonna get put on until this one's played out - at least once. Instrumental captivation shares space with alluring vocal segments. And while an aura is established that carries throughout the CD, every track has its distinctive expression. Warm and cool at once, "Musik for Film" has appeal that goes beyond the realm of dub fans. Those with like competent mashes of styles and dig a hook that touches deep but doesn't force itself on your brain will gladly be consumed by this gentle but potent force.

4.5 Stars - Kristofer Upjohn (Raves.com / djfix.com)

This compilation features elusively tight cuts. The kind that you could hear inside an independent movie theatre in Europe. But to call this a cinematic presentation of the finest downbeat and dub is nothing short of an understatement. Most of the artists here were either born in Austria or moved to the mountainous country at some point in their careers. Professor Oz, who brings us the opening number "Whatever the Sun", is one good example. Born in Paris, he eventually relocated to Vienna to meet Sugar B, also credited on the track, and Richard Dorfmeister of Tosca..."Musik For Film" has so many stylistic deviations that make this material suitable for the most obscure spaghetti western, as well as the hypothetical next chapter of the intergalactic wars. Read complete review HERE

- Helder Gomes (Properly Chilled / Coffee Breakz)

Our ears are tired of computer-made tracks with gigabytes of delayed samples, but we have to admit that it's a "style" in its own right. And some times in some environments (not only hotel lobbies) this smooth rythms are very effective. Architektur's 'Musik for Film' is a nice compilation of lounge music containing 14 ultra-clean ultra-delayed ultra-tabla ultra-wahwah ultra-flute tracks. Architektur's compilation is the playlist for your next loft-party.

Grade B - Triphop.hu

.:: Travelogue Reviews ::.

If you're wondering what's going to be playing in the halls of the mothership when we're all forced to leave this planet due to inevitable Malthusian catastrophe - Wall-E style, mark our words - you're reading the right review. One can easily image deciding between food pod rations whilst tapping their anti-gravity space-shoes to the retro organs and disembodied voiceovers of "Ubahn (Underground)" as it wafts from the consumption depot speakers. Stroll down the promenade and gaze out into the depths of space as the eerie 1920s big band drowns in molten reverb before the leering percussion tears you away in "Misinformation." Finally, contemplate the ignominious fate of mankind at 3 a.m. some distant morning on your beige bunk in sector 4B, doomed to hurtle through the cosmos to the innocuous jazz pastiche and swirling detritus of closing track "Mantra." In short, this is an album to scare the pants off sci-fi enthusiasts, so pick up your favorite dystopian nightmare and shove these crazy jams in your ear.

- Joshua Huck (Austinist.com)

"Travelogue" requires multiple listens to even begin to appreciate the depths of its treasures. Rather than falling into the familiar reggae-inspired vibe of much dub (though this album isn't without that influence), there is a much more ambient and experimental approach here. Yet the atmosphere conjured doesn't alienate the less adventurous listener - for the palpable mood is the very thing that envelopes the happy hearer of Architektur's mesmerizing release. Waves of stylishness wash across the listener, with many shifts and surprises along the way. "Travelogue" is also sample-heavy, with odd bits of dialogue and verbage only adding to the curious resonance of this compelling album.

4.5 Stars - Kristofer Upjohn (Raves.com / djfix.com)

Architektur's album is an uncomfortable mix of those sounds that seem to be embedded in the walls of lifestyle lounges across the globe, jazzy little ethnically inclined samples of uncertain origin - there are no source musician credits - a sinking low into the luxurious sofa experience, with dubby sonics - the diminutive is intended - and mind boggling juxtapositions bagged together in a mix and scattered over an otherwise over smoove mix. Apparently the artist has played across the globe since 2000, I was expecting a more city centred sound and what better cities than Austin - where he's based - and Vienna to create some atmospheres, but when its attempted on the track "Misinformation" the forties swing band in the middle of a jiggly reggae tune is just like a thumb in the eye and again on "Speedball" where Meat Beat Manifesto collides with Shorty Rogers. Totally perplexing is perhaps the point.

- Steve Barker (The Wire / On The Wire - BBC Radio)

(Polish Translation) The thing that Architektur primarily proposes to give to us is a kind of a splendor for chillout rythms, which for years were produced by Kruder & Dorfmeister or Thievery Corporation. Of course our musician doesn't create his music better or in some revelatory way, but the final effect - this blissful relaxation that comes to the listener - is achieved perfectly. The album has been created just like that, with no pressure of brand new music landscapes, but with a background of well known techniques. Remarkably selected jazz and - rarely - swing samples are start-point for nice, sweet music themes. The theme of the album is Vienna: from one hand it's chillout, perfect for a relaxing walk during a warm afternoon, but on the other hand - dub, coming out from the metro tunnels. This stylistic cocktail combined with an interesting sound and high-level production creates very good music material. The fact is that these sounds won't surprise you, but well worth listening to them carefully to see their hidden potential. Read complete review HERE

- Rafal Mackowski (80bpm.net)

A dense, layered, fascinating effort from Austin, TX. “Travelouge” requires mulitple listens to even begin to delve into. The most apt desciption would be swirling through film scores while on a mild mannered mushroom trip. A gentle yet intense journey through a world of dubbed out beats and textures. Swimming through jazzy chords, psychedelic theremin patches and plucked strings. Not background music by any means, the album is best enjoyed through headphones after a night of partying, when your too high to sleep and don’t want to watch a movie. A fine release that is cinematic in a way few acts can achieve. Excellent listening but not for the faint of heart.

- Brian Gerhard (Massive Music America / couerdazure.com)

Charts / Rankings (2009):

Charts / Rankings (2008):

- Architektur

- Musik For Film