After 2 EPs, several soundtracks, and scores of remixes and contributions to compilations, Markus Kienzl, a member of renowned electronic dub collective Sofa Surfers, is ready to release his first solo album. The result of four years of work, “Product“ is a compilation of tracks that were reshaped and harmonized specifically for the album format.

The development of the album’s sound aesthetics is both stringent and traceable. It shares with its quasi-precursor, the “TILT“-EP (released on Klein Records in 1999), the understated and seductive soundtrack-like atmosphere as well as the interplay of dry and minimal dub rockers, soul influences, semi-industrial jazz, and sci-fi ragga.

“Sure, club music is quite important for me but I’d be bored producing an album of music just for clubs. That makes sense if you produce a single, and it’s great fun doing it live in the clubs. I remodel the tracks for that purpose. An album, however, is another thing altogether.“ This attitude is responsible for the fact that Kienzl created a number of tracks that work well on the dance floors, yet have enough substance to be carefully listened to in calmer surroundings.

Tracks such as “The Hood“ (feat. Oddatee), “Dundy Lion” (feat. Paul St. Hilaire aka Tikiman) , and “Mason” subtly force the pace while songs such as “Like A Ghost“ (feat. Barbara Stanzl) and “Send Some Love“ represent a highly individual approach toward soul and dub reggae. “Battery“, “Peace Demonstration“ and “Lost”, on the other hand, are prime downbeat tracks that skillfully conjure up magical and mysterious scenarios.

“The tracks are partly based on a single looped sound that may be almost inaudible in the final mix. What is essential for me is that the tracks are designed like paintings... I begin with a first grounding, then I decide on a structure and, lastly, I start to apply the paint – sound color, so to say.“

As befits the nature of a solo album, “Product“ is a highly personal work – “It would be great if listeners would pick up the threads themselves. Ideally, when they listen to the album, they’d feel just what I was feeling when I made it.“

Michael Lachsteiner/Ric Maréchal