SOHN - Rennen (Japan Edition) (2017)

Rennen. It’s a German verb that translates in English to “run,” and as soon as SOHN begins to describe his journey over the last two years, it becomes obvious why it’s also the title of his stunning new album for 4AD. Critics and fans alike are eagerly anticipating the album in the wake of his acclaimed 2014 debut, Tremors. That record, called “spellbinding” by The Sunday Times, launched him from behind-the-scenes producer to international star, with Uncut hailing the Vienna-born artist’s “pristine techno-soul,” Q praising his music as “spine-tingling,” and the New York Times raving that “his tenor rises to androgynous high notes that are lonely fragility incarnate.” Musically, SOHN exercised restraint in the productions, limiting each song to three main elements. His goal was to hone in on the essence of the tracks, and to ensure that he recorded only the strongest material that could stand on its own without studio magic. It’s an ambitious exhibition of both his personal and artistic growth, a confident display of the evolution he’s undergone in just two short years. It’s also a starter’s pistol ringing out loud and clear with an unmistakable message: it’s time to run again, and SOHN is ready.