Not only does Jan Philipp Janzen guide Von Spar through electro-krauty territory from behind his drum set while producing albums from other Cologne or Kompakt-associated acts like The Field, PTTRNS or Urban Jams in his spare time. He also makes music under his solo moniker Column, not to be confused with infinite bisous’ former band of the same name. Two years after Column’s first offering “Pets I” comes its successor, “Pets II”. As with the dishevelled panda that adorns the cover, the six tracks have something strangely fascinating.
Opener “Der Engel mit dem Holzauge” (“The Angel with the Wooden Eye”) builds his way from scattered drums to an understated techno track. From “Craft Beer Punks Fuck Off” on, Column oscillates between two modi operandi: slick techno and weird house. More often than not though, the menacing and the funky are intertwined, as on highlight amongst highlights “Molly & Swerve” featuring Marvin Horsch.
Sonically impeccable and perfectly balanced – two collab tracks and one remix per side, a “cold” A side and a “warm” B side – “Pets II” is the insider dance music gem you will play at every friend’s party from now on. (Philipp Fischer)
♪♫ Listen: “Craft Beer Punks Fuck Off” + album stream
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