Architektur - Travelogue (2008)

Tracklist

01. (Vienna) When It Rains
02. The Smoker
03. Ubahn (Underground)
04. Hypnotic State
05. Desperate Images
06. Misinformation
07. Speedball
08. Danube Shuffle
09. Mantra
10. The Smoker (Resmoked by The Waz Experience)
11. Mantra (Canartic Dreadnotic mix)

"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

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

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.

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