The most ambitious Fritz Kalkbrenner album: a review of “Third Place”
Fritz Kalkbrenner is no stranger to us.
The German icon, first known to the masses for the global hit “Sky & Sand” with his brother Paul, and then for a sequence of Gold and Platinum hits, is a stable member in the Techno olympus of stars. He has performed at some of the world’s biggest festivals and venues, including Awakenings, Electric Brixton, Lollapalooza, Melt, Osheaga, Pukkelpop, Rock am Ring, Rock en Seine, Sónar, and SW4. Not to mention, his unforgettable live sets in iconic locations like the Great Wall of China or Domaine de Chantilly.
And now, he’s back with an album. An interesting one.
“Third Place” refers to those special spaces where creativity and community come together, and indeed its aim is to connect. Blending Kalkbrenner’s classic vibes and soulful vocals, the composition has great plans in mind. There is Techno, of course. There is experimentation. Crazy vocals, crazy ideas. All with the beautiful concept of establishing a mental connection and evolving Fritz’s style into something new.
Did it work?
In my opinion, “Third Place” leaves you with a warm feeling of being understood. And I’m not a huge Techno fan, please note. Many tracks connected with me at a deep level, thanks to both melodies, sound design, and vocals. The vibe is laid-back at first, then evolves into a dynamic and hard pattern, with surprising twists and ideas to bypass monotony. There is a blend of genres, especially with House, Deep House, and Pop, that evolves the Techno style into something fresh while keeping the introspective aura of the entire project.
Another standout features of the album is Kalkbrenner’s use of his own vocals. His distinctive voice adds a human touch to the electronic landscapes, creating an emotional resonance that’s often missing in purely instrumental Techno. The lyrics, while sometimes abstract, touch on themes of connection, isolation, and the search for meaning in our increasingly digital world – fitting perfectly with the album’s concept of “third places”.
The production quality on “Third Place” is top-notch, as we’ve come to expect from Kalkbrenner. Each track is meticulously crafted, with layers of sound that reveal themselves on repeated listens. The bass is deep and impactful, the synths are rich and varied, and the percussion is crisp and driving. It’s clear that a lot of care and attention has gone into every aspect of this album.
In conclusion, “Third Place” represents a significant evolution in Fritz Kalkbrenner’s sound. It’s an album that respects his Techno roots while fearlessly pushing into new territories. While it may not convert hardcore Techno purists, it offers a fresh and engaging listening experience for those open to a more eclectic approach to electronic music. Kalkbrenner has created a sonic “third place” – a space where different styles and emotions can coexist and interact, resulting in something truly unique.
Many songs have already been released as singles, but, as always, here is my personal top 3:
Fall Between the Cracks
87/100
This one really struck a chord in my heart. Deep House blended with Fritz’s soulful voice and a hooky, hypnotic rhythm slowly growing into a warm, wrapping atmosphere. A real hit that stands out in the album as one of the most solid EDM tunes I’ve heard this year. The kick is gentle, yet hits you every time. It’s something so hypnotic that you can’t get rid of it and you need to put it on repeat for the entire day, over and over.
It Ain’t Over
85/100
Breakbeat with the intense energy of Kalkbrenner’s style, a classic move with something more experimental in the vocal and the details. I liked “It Ain’t Over” for its energy in the beat, in the percussions, an anticipation of the liveness of the author’s sets. The whole experience feels elegant and dynamic at the same time, and it’s one of the many tunes in “Third Place” to which I connected after a few seconds. There is something in the vocal that makes me feel cradled.
The Telepath
82/100
This is the pop release of the album, and I’m glad that I liked it so much. I’m often very critical of this kind of commercial turn, but “The Telepath” isn’t like the others. You can feel the original vibe of the author throughout the whole duration. The vocal is captivating, and the atmosphere is warm and genuine. What sets this track apart is how it manages to blend pop sensibilities with Kalkbrenner’s signature electronic sound. The result is a track that’s accessible yet still maintains the depth and complexity we’ve come to expect from his work.
