Review: Hamburg collective Meute are a genuinely unique proposition: a "techno marching band" comprised of 11 drummers, percussionists and horn players who, in their words, "fulfil the job of a DJ with acoustic instruments". 'EMPOR' is the band's fourth studio album and first since 2022. It sees them deliver an "all organic" take on deep house that feels and sounds like a warmer, woozier and more obviously dancefloor-focused take on the classic 'Acid Brass' sound developed by the Williams Fairey Band and artist Jeremy Deller in the late '90s. Highlights include, but are no way limited to, 'Aurora' (where trombone bass catches the ear), the slow-build brilliance of 'Anti Loudness', the brass band-jack of 'Hypnose', the UK garage-influenced bounce of 'The Goose That Got Away' and the sensationally summery, vocal-sporting 'Come Together'.
Review: Hamburg-based 'techno marching band' Meute present their third studio album titled Taumel. Having recently performed at the famous Coachella Festival 2022, this riveting 12-track album comes courtesy of their eponymous imprint, featuring the first single "Infinite" as well as the mesmerising deepness of "Narkose", the sunkissed daydream that is "Solar Detroit" (which got served a remix by the mighty Maceo Plex) and the epic dancefloor drama of "Nostalgia Drive". The band has one seriously killer horns section that will truly blow you away.
Review: Question: Who needs a DJ or producer when you've got a 12-strong troupe of drummers, percussionists and horn players? Answer: no one. Certainly not when Hamburg's Meute are in the locale. Having picked up heat with a few cheeky one-trackers, they now unleash their full album and it's an incredible piece of work; from their dramatic conversion of The Detroit Experiment's "Think Twice" and their touching, twinkling twist on Trentemoller's "Miss You" to the cascading breath-taking bluesy touch of Bodzin & Romboy's "Kerberos" and the strident twist on N'To's super-dreamy "Every Wall Is A Door", everything about this album is detailed, considered and powerful. And that's before we even mention the really big cuts like "Rej" and "Man With The Red Face". Techno cover versions are generally a no-no but this is a big yes yes.
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