Artist: Der Tante Renate Album: Splitter

Year: 2009
Duration: 0:0-1

Der Tante Renate's Splitter: A Critical Review of an Innovative Album

Electronic dance music has come a long way since its early days in the 1980s. Today, subgenres like techno, house, and dubstep have taken the world by storm, attracting legions of fans and inspiring countless artists. Der Tante Renate is one such artist. This Berlin-based producer has been making music since 2003, and has developed a reputation for blending elements of electro, techno, and experimental music to create a sound that is uniquely his own. In 2016, he released Splitter, a full-length album that showcases his talents as a composer and producer. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at Splitter, discussing its genre, standout tracks, innovative moments, and what makes it worthy of a critical review.

Splitter has been described as a blend of techno, electronica, and experimental music. The album consists of nine tracks, each of which combines various elements of these genres to create a cohesive whole. The opening track, Mein Maserati, sets the tone for the album with its throbbing bassline, energetic beats, and clever use of sampled vocals. Wensleydale follows, featuring a driving rhythm and haunting melodies that are reminiscent of classic techno. Cocobongo is another standout track, with its tribal drums, jazzy saxophone, and funky bassline.

One of the most innovative aspects of Splitter is Der Tante Renate's use of sound design. Throughout the album, he employs a wide range of textures, from glitchy electronic bleeps and bloops to organic sounds like footsteps and bird calls. By layering these different elements on top of one another, he creates a rich tapestry of sound that is both intricate and immersive. This is particularly evident on tracks like Aus and Nanook, which feature complex rhythms and interwoven melodies.

Another notable feature of Splitter is the diverse range of influences that Der Tante Renate draws upon. While the album is rooted in techno and electronica, he is not afraid to venture into other genres. For example, Fait Divers incorporates elements of jazz and funk, while Baroko has a decidedly baroque feel. This willingness to experiment and push boundaries is what sets Splitter apart from many other electronic albums, making it an exciting and engaging listening experience.

However, this is not to say that Splitter is without its flaws. Some tracks, like Katla, feel underdeveloped and lack the same level of complexity and refinement as others on the album. Additionally, the album as a whole can be a bit overwhelming at times, with its dense layers of sound and hyperkinetic rhythms making it difficult to fully absorb on the first listen. That said, these are minor criticisms in the grand scheme of things, and Splitter remains a standout album that showcases Der Tante Renate's talents as a producer and composer.

In conclusion, Der Tante Renate's Splitter is a remarkable album that blends techno, electronica, and experimental music in innovative and exciting ways. From its complex rhythms and intricate sound design to its diverse range of influences, Splitter rewards careful listening and is sure to appeal to fans of electronic dance music and experimental music alike. While it may have its flaws, the album's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, making it a must-listen for any serious music fan.