The commies are coming
Apparat, short for the Russian word, Apparatchik, means to be a full-employed member of the communist party. In other words, to be a member of a collective group whose focus is to build a society where everyone looks after each other. In reality, the Apparat that we’re are about to describe is a member of a group of artists based in Germany. Berlin to be exact. They consist of T.Raumschmiere, Modselektor and whole list of artists on the German based record label, Shitkatapult. This is truly a group looking out for not only their friends, but their fans as well. I highly recommend checking out Modselektor or any other artists affiliated with those mentioned above. If you’re an electronic fan, I’m sure you are already aware of most.
There is no question that Apparat, aka Sascha Ring, has been mainly influenced by techno and electronica. However, unlike many electronica artists who rarely use their own vocals, Sascha brings his out to play.
There is a strong emotional and human element to his music that differentiates him a bit from his colleagues. Of course, this doesn’t make him a better artist. It just makes him unique.
On his most recent album, Walls, the emotional level is at a high. It’s hard not to turn this album on and not turn off until the 13th and final song. It sucks you in to a trance. P-Fork compared it to the Junior Boys latest success and I would have to agree.
I also found that there were moments that reminded me of Thievery Corporation. Not so much the style but rather that the sounds on this album seem to represent something larger than just some nice songs put together by a little well known DJ from Germany. There are deeper meanings to these songs and just like any good artist, we the listener are up to interpret.
- Links of Interest:
Official Website
Myspace
Purchase Walls - (emusic) (amazon - US or UK)
Stream Walls
MP3 - “Fractales (Pt. I)” - which means you need to buy the album to find out about Pt. II
Back in action - More Beirut
To start things back up on a more consistent post schedule, I’ve decided to do a back to back Beirut post as today I realized that the fabulous music download service, eMusic, has their new album, The Flying Club Cup, ready for advance download.
Ah, how special we eMusic members feel. For those that don’t know, the album isn’t out until October 9th. However, if you can’t wait that long, sign up today at eMusic and you can get the album for free as the first 25 downloads once you join up are free. Plus, the first month is free as well. They really want you to try it out so what are you waiting for - JOIN.
Zach Condon and company embarked on their tour yesterday, which starts in Brooklyn, goes south to Jersey, back up to NYC then in to Canada, briefly down in to the states again in Chicago, San Fran and L.A. then they leave the states for awhile. After that, who knows. I’m sure that once the new album officially comes out we’ll see more state side dates but for now, you can listen to a live Beirut show by visiting Sixeyes where they have a complete download of their SXSW gig back in March.
Read a great review of their new album over at Stylus Mag
Download “A Sunday Smile”, if you haven’t already (Find more legal mp3 downloads over at Stereogum’s new MP3 page )
And finally, be their friend on myspace.
P.S. I hope you like the new look and feel of Hip To Be Square. Feel free to bash, praise or simply acknowledge that the site has changed for the better.
