In many respects, the dialectical tension of counterpoints and electronic and acoustic instrumentation is the most long-lasting of amorous encounters, founded as it is on the terra firma of complementarity and complexity. As such, the eight tracks that make up this release are comprised of pointed dialogues between rhythmic elements, which often amounts to drums and bass, though the slow-moving nature of Rohrer's compositions feels closer to the heritage of Dub than anything IDM-related. 

 

The transparency on Music for Lovers should be noted, as Rohrer's skills as instrumentalist and composer never seem to be in service of masquerading his source material or the parlor tricks of those-who-shall-not-be-named. The structure of a "song", however broad that designation might be, holds the individual elements together, driving each piece like Klaus Dinger or Jaki Liebezeit once did for Neu! And Can respectively. Rohrer calls Berlin home, so the Birkenstock definitely fits here. Atmospheric pieces like "Celestial Body" provide spatial respite from the pulsating sequencers and basslines. "Love and Warfare", synonyms to many of us, merges the competing forces as well as any of the tracks, building repetitive phrases inside of electronic drums and electric bass; think of a rounder, less linear Oren Ambarchi.

 

Fitting Music for Lovers into a clearly demarcated genre is tough, though the allusions to Dub, Krautrock pioneers, and Ambarchi should offer some points of orientation. Fans of any or all of the above will find Rohrer's work both a fitting tribute and advancement of those progenitors. Highly recommended.  For more