It’s amusing to think that some of LWE’s readers may have no recollection of Michael Mayer releasing music on his own. In part that’s due to his status as a superstar DJ and his position as one of Kompakt’s three founders. But it also reflects how long it’s been since Mayer’s name alone graced a record’s label — five years to be exact. The 12th edition of Kompakt’s annual Total compilation series supposedly reflects the label’s renewed focus on its core family, and in kind, it features Mayer’s long awaited return to solo production. To call “That’s What I Told Sanchez” a departure from his past work is a complete understatement. Perhaps influenced by his label’s work with the unpredictable Mattias Aguayo, the tune is a disorienting tour of an amusement park led by a walking bass line and underpinned by crowd noise. Eventually an electro-compatible synth line emerges but has to battle for space with unfinessed tribal cries. In all honesty, we’re not sure what to think of it, but we’re glad Mayer has returned to the production game. Thanks to him and Kompakt for making this available.

Michael Mayer, “That’s What I Told Sanchez”

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