Superpicther - Kilimanjaro (2010) [Kompakt] // Grade: A-

Superpitcher is the guise of Aksel Schaufler, a German with an impeccable taste in techno, and who’s brand new album Kilimanjaro is unique and innovative in it’s approach to tech-house and indie-rock genres.

Released on Kompakt, Kilimanjaro is Schaufler’s second studio album, following up on 2004’s Here Comes Love record, and the new sound shows even greater depth than the debut.  From the church bells of the opening “Prelude,” to the aquatic ambience of “Moon Fever,” Schaufler leaves a great deal of room for mellow reflection, which enhances the power of uptempo jams “Country Boy” and ‘Black Magic’. Standout on the record is penultimate track “Joanna,” which consists of catchy synth licks layered over a piano’s backing. When adding electronic elements to a track, the tendency by many is to use electronically processed percussion. Yet, the joy of Superpitcher’s music is that he uses a great deal of acoustic percussive sounds; a lovely reminder that a human composed these songs.

Kompakt is a label based out of Cologne, Germany, and a name that all electronic music enthusiasts should  remember; it’s an independent imprint that is kicking up a lot of heat at the moment for it’s innovative directions within the various micro-house genres. The label, run by Michael Mayer, Wolfgang Voigt and Juergen Paape, is dedicated to pushing the musical envelope so to speak. Kilimanjaro is certainly a product of these progressions, and therefore an album worthy of it’s name – Schaufler has created a mountain of a record that conveys a 71 minute journey that you’ll want to revisit on a regular basis.

- SweetFA