- When it comes time to make lists at the end of 2009, I would be surprised if at least one of these tracks didn't crack RA's Top 30. If not all of them. Mick Rubin's Fernweh contains three tracks effortlessly geared for the dance floor, and embellished with enough melodic invention that they're simply irresistible.
The beat architecture here is plainly minimal in comparison to Rubin's previous outings, which were generally more full-blooded techno in orientation. Indeed, it's almost surprising that he manages to get so much propulsion and positive emotion from such tight programming. One of the keys seems to be the interplay between the rhythmic elements. On "Honkong" the bouncing bass ricochets off the flatter high hats like a game of Pong, whereas the metronome clicks underpinning "Thaibreak" are even tighter still, but accurate and playful enough to collide and scatter each other. The high end hits are frail—like glitch sparks—but once the drones and spirits get caught between the effervescent bass bubbles, everything slowly opens up.
While the beats form a genuinely successful skeleton, it's Rubin's melodic sensibility that lingers. "Mauna Loa" has waves of strings and plush chiming ripples that are the aural equivalent of climbing a hill covered in daffodils. "Hongkong" builds slowly and seems to hang over a more yawning, contemplative space full of echoing notes, and a sense of reassurance and mystery. "Thaibreak" combines the sweeps of "Mauna Loa" with the visionary moods of "Hongkong" to create something purely exultant and innocent. The track builds up and breaks down over gliding tones that make you feel like floating, as the main riff implores you to open your arms skyward. There is something inscrutable to it, much like the authentic moments of rapture achieved by legendary krautrockers Harmonia. Unmissable.
Tracklist A1 Mauna Loa
A2 Honkong
B Thaibreak