Christoph Pepe Auer - White Noise - Lake (2025) [Hi-Res]

Christoph Pepe Auer’s band White Noise explores a unique and transparent sound without a traditional bass instrument. Auer aimed for a sense of sonic openness—like emerging from water—that clears the mind. He also wanted to feature the contrabass clarinet, an instrument rarely used in such a context, to enrich the band's sound palette.

The current quartet includes pianist Michael Tiefenbacher, who provides a chamber-music-like, harmonically grounded counterpoint, sometimes enhanced with retro-modern synths. Cellist Clemens Sainitzer bridges classical and experimental sounds, subtly contributing to the band's open, flowing textures and occasional solo improvisations. Drummer Christian Grobauer offers a precise and versatile rhythmic foundation, ranging from rock-influenced to delicate beats.

Auer himself stretches across various woodwinds: high clarinets for melodic playfulness, saxophone for jazz and expressive bursts, bass clarinet to complement percussion, and contrabass clarinet for deep, drone-like tones.

Their second album Lake (following their 2019 debut) is a statement of musical freedom and joy in crafting rich, colorful soundscapes from minimalistic means. The music encourages deep listening and reflects Auer’s broad experience as a multi-instrumentalist, educator, and collaborator. It’s a warm, optimistic journey built on friendship, experimentation, and a love for detail.

Christoph Pepe Auer - clarinet, bass clarinet, contrabass clarinet, saxophone
Mike Tiefenbacher - piano, analog synthesizer
Clemens Sainitzer - cello
Christian Grobauer - drums



Tracklist:
1 Dreierkarton
2 Cloud
3 Name It
4 Rhythm of Life
5 Lake
6 Gehen Hilft
7 Chokladkaka (Version ’25)
8 The Extra
9 Kontrabassklarinette Zwei