Comm

Barring a limited ambient CD-R in 2013 and two albums released under the name Signalform in 2006 and 2007, Comm is German electro/IDM trio Drøn's first proper album since 2002. Essentially, it's a refinement of the sound they've been working at since the '90s, with spacious yet up front melodies surrounding steadily pulsating yet microscopic beats. The album was mastered by Uwe Schmidt (Atom Heart, Atom™, etc.) and released by a label that began as an outlet for a mammoth eight-disc tribute compilation to the late Peter Namlook, and it's not hard to hear the influence of those prolific artists in Drøn's music, but the group clearly have their own vision. Even as they utilize obtuse time signatures, there's still a constant drive to their music that makes it easy to follow and enjoy. One of the album's highlights, "Sternengleiter," features immersive, starry melodies as well as a galloping beat that is frayed and splintered yet easy to dance to. Drøn push the most experimental aspects of electro to the edge, but always maintain a sense of humanity. Comm is a fascinating, joyous album, easily their most accomplished work.