Wellen

Dirk Leyers' first 12" (a various-artist Firm release from 2000 contains his first solo production) should help mend a few broken hearts that were shattered after catching wind of Closer Musik's split. Leyers, the producer half of the defunct duo, doesn't do a whole lot to alter the sound he was creating while partnered with vocalist Matias Aguayo. "Wellen" is an instrumental that's more evocative than CM's "Departures" or "Maria." No small feat. Clipped hi-hats, crisp drum patterns, three synths -- one working shadowy undercurrents, another burbling neo-trance melodies, possibly inspired by Mathew Jonson, and a third soloing over everything with high, delighted notes. "Come to Where I Go" is an ambient, Germanic take on contemplative soul-jazz geared for solitude (Pop Ambient 2005 could've really benefited from the inclusion of this track), and the 11-minute "New Serious One" eats up the B-side, dubby with a fierce edge, not quite as epic as After Love's "Giganten." Indispensable. ~ Andy Kellman