Album Review: “Modeselektion Vol. 3”

Fans of the first two installments in Modeselektor‘s album series will find themselves surprised (pleasantly, we hope) in more ways than one. Whereas 2010’s Volume 1 and 2012’s Volume 2 largely kept things very much within Berlin duo’s inner circle, Volume 3 showcases an eclectic and vastly talented roster of artists across its two discs. You will find veterans such as Illum Sphere, Brant Brauer Frick and Henrik Schwarz here, as well as rising underground talents like Born In Flamez.

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As a whole, the album does not stray too far off the beaten path when it comes to overall sound, but just because it doesn’t take risks doesn’t mean the music is anything less than top notch. Sure, there are plenty of familiar sounds, but that (in my humble opinion) makes the few surprises all the more refreshing, like Robot Koch’s lazy, ambient beauty “Sun.”

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Modeselektion Vol. 3 illustrates a surprisingly seamless fusion of digital sounds with live instrumentation that seems almost natural. It stays cohesive without becoming gridlocked within the same sound, which proves Modeselektor‘s Sebastian Szary and Gernot Bronsert have perfected the arts of selection. Call it “perfect sonic balance,” if you like. Some of our favorites include Los Angeles beat guru Nosaij Thing’s chic and sultry percussive gem “Dy” and Henrik Schwarz‘s grunge-y, vocal driven “We Are Bankrupt.”

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Meanwhile, Alex Bank’s booming “Be The One” featuring Elizabeth Bernholz is delightfully reminiscent of an early 21st century trance driver.

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Overall, the compilation is perhaps best listened to actively and introspectively. Make no mistake – this is not your typical morning commute or house party soundtrack. It is a carefully thought out story with highs, lows and plenty of elements to discover over the course of multiple listens. Give this one a try if you are in need of some inspiration. We give Modeselektion Vol. 3 a 3.5 out of 5 stars. You can purchase the full album now via Monkeytown Records.

Modeselektion Vol. 3 Track List

CD 1

1. Fennesz – TOM
2. Nosaj Thing – “Dy”
3. Solar Year – “Way”
4. The Fall – “Fibre Book Troll”
5. To Rococo Rot – “Miles and Hour”
6. Cid Rim – “Pastis”
7. Akkord – “Gradient”
8. Robot Koch – “Sun”
9. Howling – “Signs”
10. Born In Flamez – “Time Hurtz”

CD 2

1. L-Vis 1990 – “Funk 4D”
2. Schlachthofbronx – “Volumen” feat. Buraka Som
3. Illum Sphere – “Bullet”
4. French Fries – “Shift”
5. Alex Banks – “Be the One” feat. Elizabeth Bernholz
6. Onra – “Blast”
7. Henrik Schwarz – “We Are Bankrupt”
8. Brandt Brauer Frick – “Jungle Love” feat. Vic Mensa and Om’Mas Keith
9. Omar Souleyman – “Edamat” (Modeselektor Edit)