Paul Kalkbrenner Provides ‘THE ESSENCE’ of Electronic Music on Latest Album

After a seven-year break from releasing albums, Paul Kalkbrenner has returned in full force with the release of his latest body of work, THE ESSENCE.

Paul Kalkbrenner‘s reputation in the scene precedes him. This iconic artist was immersed in rave culture while growing up, and he never looked back after developing a strong passion for electronic beats. Over the year’s he’s continued to flex his might within the scene, from standout performances to delivering memorable releases, all in the name of the rave. Now, Paul Kalkbrenner has returned to storytelling via album with his latest body of work, THE ESSENCE.

Much as its name implies, THE ESSENCE isn’t about larger-than-life productions or ones that are overly processed. Instead, it’s a stripped-back ride from the German artist that’s oozing with organic elements and personality, which makes it double as an effective love letter to electronic music. It’s a surprising release, considering he hadn’t delivered an album in seven years, but it’s one that Kalkbrenner considers to be his best.

The cohesion found on albums that Paul Kalkbrenner began to yearn for began to materialize while producing tunes in his apartment. One by one, the tracks took shape, each one dripping with warmth while showcasing the precision that he brings to his productions. Tastes of THE ESSENCE, like “NINETY – TWO” and “QUE CE SOIT CLAIR” with Stromae, arrived earlier this year to much praise as fans basked in the gorgeous soundscapes.

The most surprising single, “DREAMING ON,” landed in September. The tune utilizes a vocal sample from Depeche Mode‘s “Dream On,” marking the first time the legendary band has allowed another artist to use it without it being named as a remix. Kalkbrenner takes that vocal and uses it to add depth as another layer for its moody, techno-infused atmosphere that’s tinged with ’80s nostalgia.

Tracks on THE ESSENCE like “KLETTERMAXE,” “DER SCHLÖRHEINZ,” and “CRONITIS BOY” are the ones that really showcase the warmth that Paul Kalkbrenner championed throughout its runtime. Others, like “SPIGITO BITE” and “MEIN FREUND ONZE,” are hypnotic at their core, while “WONDERFUL LIFE” stands even taller with its happy-go-lucky beat that will leave a smile on your face. And there’s no better track than “DIE TROMPETEN VON BERLIN” to see Kalkbrenner offer a flourish of retro elements and spacey synths as the album comes to a close.

Listen to The Essence on Spotify or your preferred platform, and stay tuned for more from Paul Kalkbrenner by following his social media channels.

Stream Paul Kalkbrenner – THE ESSENCE on Spotify:

Paul Kalkbrenner – THE ESSENCE – Tracklist:

1. NINETY – TWO
2. DIE STÜBERNITZE
3. DREAMING ON (with Depeche Mode)
4. CODY 3000
5. KLETTERMAXE
6. DER SCHLÖRHEINZ
7. SPIGITO BITE
8. QUE CE SOIT CLAIR (with Stromae)
9. MEIN FREUND ONZE
10. CRONITIS BOY
11. WONDERFUL LIFE
12. DIE TROMPETEN VON BERLIN

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