First Floor (BLOG)

Reihen, the new album from German ambient / experimental veteran Arovane, is rooted in imperfection. Built using what he describes as “asynchronous loops” that were made while “working to no specific tempo,” the LP simply flows, the static-licked textures of songs like “Sicht” cresting and receding like the tide lapping against the shore. There’s a definite drama to the music, which at times takes on an almost cinematic character, but it’s also grey and subdued, its wistful tone seemingly the perfect accompaniment for a bout of long-overdue introspection. – Shawn Reynaldo