[Metatron House Division]

With his latest release on Metatron House Division, Johannes Heil delivers two exceptional tracks which reflect a knack for composition as well as production. “Aum” and “Soul Made” both slip right past the ten minute mark, but Heil’s songwriting (for lack of a better term) is shrewd enough to keep things fresh throughout. The former is bare and repetitive to awe-inducing effect, while the latter is multifarious and thoroughly ornate. As an EP, “Aum” is strongly visual and wonderfully varied — certainly worth a listen for fans of house’s trippier variety.

“Aum” has a resoundingly spiritual motif; the track builds itself around a deep and melodious chant, with the title often swelling into shape. It’s a successful stab at what could have easily sounded clichéd and overblown, and the result is oddly moving. On the drums, Heil gets impressive mileage out of some very simple percussive elements, pairing a modest bass kick with ordinary claps and high hats, all of which contrast nicely with the sonorous vocals. It’s contemplative and compelling, and certainly not without club appeal. “Soul Made” is a little more traditional, with funkier beats and a livelier vibe. Nonetheless, it is an unpredictable track that starts out sounding stark and textural but slowly develops into a full-blown house number, complete with epic R&B vocals and satisfying breakdowns. Either track would serve a DJ very well, but both progress in a way that makes them notably self-sufficient, with intros and outros that manage to sound expressive rather than utilitarian. Overall, a very strong pair of tracks whose intricacies and subtle emotion will continue to reveal themselves after dozens of spins. (post by Will Lynch)