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FEATURE BAND MONDAY: REKLEIN
REKLEIN
Reklein is an Atlanta experimental, electronic IDM duo that have a really unique sound. I have not seen them live myself but I can imagine the experience could be an amazing accomplice to a night of mind altering deeds, if you know what I mean. I recently reviewed their latest album Piedmont…
(review from beatlanta’s review section)
Piedmont is a unique and transforming album that provoked something inside of me. The song titled Intro immediately pierces you with a sense of eeriness that is deep and profound and the second song titled Cambric really continues that sense and sets the mood for a good experience. The sounds being mixed are a little dark and give you a dense feeling when you first hear them. Their the type of songs that could make the score to an awesome suspenseful moment in life, or the overtones to an epic moment in a Michael Mann movie. Especially Cassidy, a song that carries you along a non-wavering path of lightness and sense of purpose. It reminded me very much of some scores that were done by Moby for various things. Those of us familiar with his works for movies and things know that sense I am referring too. That sense that makes you feel like life is deeper than the day to day drudge (see the score, by Moby, to the movie Heat at the end when Al Pacino has to shoot Robert DeNiro). That sense that music is meaningful and guides us through that drudge. Reklein did that for me. I don’t listen to IDM music as much these days as I have in the past but Reklein awakened an interest to seek out some more information into the local computer electronic scene. Reklein say they are a band that was formed to fuse two different styles of music and I can definitely see that in the eclectic mix of sounds that they produce. Piedmont intertwines very dense, industrial undercurrents glazed over with a more space rock theme. Sometimes the industrial part can get in the way of the sounds harmonizing but it is very short lived making the majority of Piedmont a really cool album that can be a great companion in seeking out some expansion of mind. I recommend the songs Cassidy, Sinke and Robb for the spacier sound that I prefer, and the songs Harland and Michnofor a little more industrial sound. All of them are equally wonderous though. Reklein also melds some more bubbly and perkier sounds as well. See the beginning of Larson and the song Cartwright. Larson does manage to take it back to the epic, score worthy material toward the middle of the song, making it one that is pretty encompassing of what Reklein is all about…bringing together two styles to make beautiful and thoughtful music.
Stream and Download the entire ablum Piedmont for free here.
Reklein at NoPhest
Here is an interview with Reklein:
When did Reklein form? How do you know each other? Tell me a little about Reklein and your goals as a band?
Reklein formed in 2007. Andrew and Hans went to middle and high school together and have been best friends for over 15 years. Reklein was formed to blend 2 very different musical styles. Reklein is about creating quality electronic music that is more song oriented.
Who plays what instruments?
Hans and Andrew both play and create all musical elements of the songs. We use keyboards and synths and mainly every type of VST known to man.
What are the names of any current albums or any due out? Who produced them?
Piedmont – 4.11.2009 rerelease 9.12.2009
Produced by Andrew Velker and Hans Grubb
What other local bands would you recommend to your fans and fans of local area music?
There are many. A few are: The Fabric, Indigovox, Sensitive Chaos, The Secret Life and Citizen Green.
How do you find the Atlanta IDM scene? Has it been kind to Reklein? Are there any towns in particular that have been kind to your band and what you’re trying to do, more so than Atlanta….where is the IDM scene most appealing to you guys if outside of Atlanta?
The electronic scene is small but tight knit in Atlanta. All the artists are very supportive of each other and great to work and play with.
Tell us a little about how you feel about Reklein and its design, its perception and philosophy. Are there any major influences that influence your sound or made you want to start your band?
We are heavily influenced by 90 electronic music of all kinds. FSOL, Orbital, Information Society, Nine Inch Nails just to name a few. Andrew and Hans love electronic music but wanted to make it more organic and personal. To take something synthetic and make it as real and organic as possible.
Tell us a little about your favorite Reklein song? What should fans of your music know about it?
All of our music is made to be listened and shared. Because we want everyone to have and enjoy our music, we release all of for free. It is licensed under Creative Commons to let everyone know that our music is created to be shared.
Whats your favorite venue to play in Atlanta? How do you guys advertise your shows?
We love Kavarna. We use a lot of social networking. Twitter, Facebook, Myspace and traditional means of flyers and word of mouth.
What does Reklein listen to? Are there any “group” influences that allowed ya’ll to really connect as a band and make such awesome music?
We listen to a lot of different music. To name some, Nine Inch Nails, Wisp, Cake, Blackalicious, The Cure, Ohgr, Outkast, and many others.
How do you feel about the future of the music industry?
If the music industry continues in its current form it is doomed. It needs to be opened up, and more adopting of all the great new ways to promote, distribute, and consume music through the internet.
How do you feel about file sharing? Do you feel that it’s detrimental to the industry or do you find it a good thing – to help more people hear more music?
Yes, we believe in file sharing and see it as a great and easy way for people to share their favorite music. It makes for a great word of mouth network and helps us to get more listens.
Any Closing Comments?
Reklein music is for everyone. Listen. Share. Repeat.
