TRENTEMOLLER Schallplatten & CDs

Review: Studio album two from Danish electronic icon Trentemoller was a landmark for the producer and DJ. Already more than a decade into his career, and with a strong fanbase among techno, alternative electronica, and ambient listeners, this was the difficult second that cemented his status among the upper echelons of synth artistes. Destined to outlast the scenes and sounds from which they emerge. Producing a number of hit tracks - 'Sycamore Feeling' is still up there with Trentemoller's most recognised and beloved pieces - Into The Great Wide Yonder peaked at number two in the Danish Albums Chart, hit the Top 40 in the German album chart, and would receive double silver certification from the Independent Music Companies Association within a year - 40,000 copies sold (at time when sales were flatlining) - giving some idea as to how universally loved it is.

Review: The first new music from Trentemoller since 2022 proves to be his furthest foray into the area of dream pop and shoegaze-esque alternative sounds yet. Two bands are obvious reference points here, namely Cocteau Twins - see the dreamy, hazy 'Empty Beaches' and the vocals of Icelandic singer Disa, throughout - and The Cure, whose dark-edged instrumentation provides a grounding counterpoint to the more shimmering, ethereal sounds. That's far from the whole story though. There are other treats like 'I Give My Tears', with a searing Mary Chain vibe, and the beatless centrepiece 'Hollow', not to mention subtle electronic embellishments throughout, proving there are many musical facets to what's going on here. One for the dark nights ahead, for sure.

Review: As he's moved further towards a career in soundtrack composition, Trentemoller's music has become increasingly widescreen and atmospheric, with the Danish artist drawing inspiration from dream-pop, the Cocteau Twins and Durutti Column as much as the ambient, electronica and immersive techno he was once famous for. All of these strands combine beautifully on 'Memoria', a picturesque and enveloping affair whose multitude of highlights include the yearning, string-laden and bittersweet brilliance of 'No More Kissing The Rain', the wall-of-sound dream pop shimmer of 'In The Gloaming', the mid-80s indie-pop haziness of 'Dead or Alive' and the glassy-eyed and tactile 'All Too Soon'.

Review: Anders Trentemoller was the noughties' greatest crossover star. From his humble beginnings releasing sleek tech house on imprints like Naked Music, Audiomatique and of course Berlin's Poker Flat - who released his modern classic The Last Resort in 2006. It gets a much deserved reissue here. Trentemoller went on to form his well received In My Room imprint, and go on to headline festivals and pack out stadiums with his acclaimed live show since. The Danish producer's debut album is actually appearing on vinyl for the first time here on a triple disc gatefold and featuring all 13 songs. The album received fantastic acclaim from both fans and journalists around the world and made it into the top-lists of the month, year and decade - alongside an array of awards for best production or best album.

Review: Trentemoller's Into The Great Wide Yonder sees the Danish producer dipping his toe into new territory to deliver an LP that sounds wholly natural and unforced, showcasing yet another side to his musical prowess. Not that we should be surprised - 2006's critically acclaimed debut The Last Resort was a crisp dance record, while his first mix compilation, Harbour Boat Trips, came loaded with varying sentiments of indie, rock and pop. Into The Great Wide Yonder completes Trentemøller's transition from his roots as a dancefloor producer into the more instrument-led domain of pop and rock tinged electronica. Still using a driving kick drum as the core to the album, the In My Room head honcho is still very much part of the dance scene, just not in the club focused way that we're used to.