Oliver Deutschmann - Out of the Dark LP on Vidab

Oliver Deutschmann brings a distinct approach to his productions that puts the focus on the spacey atmospherics, and six years after the release his first EP on his own vidab label, he’s chosen now as the time for his debut long player. The slow-burn reputation he’s cultivated is matched by the Panorama Bar residency he’s held down for most of that time, and this assured confidence is on display here. He’s directed his attention towards creating a rich, breathing atmosphere across the album’s ten tracks; Out of the Dark often feels very much alive.

Opening with the heavy, thick analogue swirl that permeates through Fever, Deutschmann initially keeps our feet on the ground as he draws us into the tales he’s ready to tell. This grounded ambience doesn’t last too long though; Junglo welcomes in the 4/4 beats for a slice of dancefloor techno, where he splashes out with liberal doses of analogue warmth. The tune features a gentle drive that’s made possible via some skillfully deployed percussion, while Deutschmann’strademark spacey sonics continue to churn in the background.

Meanwhile, the lush atmospherics have a hypnotic effect on New World Order; opening with a gentle touch, the stark, bleepy electronics eventually swirl into a state of seductive chaos. Sadness Descends is as melancholic as the title suggests, and it’s one of the album’s most intricately crafted tales. Inhabited by robotic bleeps that ring out regularly into the mix, they emote with an unmistakable sense of personality; a wonderful quirk made possible via Deutschmann’s skillful use of his analogue tools. Eventually they’re silenced though as the tune’s analogue synths rise to a crescendo. It’s a beautiful slice of warm, spacey melancholy.

We’re taken into the mainroom with a fresh redub of his ‘07 debut stormer Siem Reap,for some stripped-back techno toughness; Deutschmann’s affinity with soundscapes serves him well here, in terms of exploring ways to utilise the minimum of sonic elements to tell a story. Both tough and beautiful. It’s the setup for the album’s hypnotic second half; he’s guilty of meandering somewhat into an extended psychedelic techno space jam, so by the time we reach the punchy basslines that close with They Bleed Glitter, it’s a welcome respite.

Deutschmann’s confidence in building and arranging atmospherics is on impressive display here. There’s an organic, ‘alive’ sense to the soundscapes, and they’re imbued with plenty of warped, spacey personality, though often he chooses melodic warmth over the harsh techno edges. Out of the Dark makes its mark with a set of very solid and dense, largely club-ready tunes, with Deutschmann successful in telling a carefully crafted sonic story in every song.