Audiopile Review: There’s a tendency for the Basic Channel/Rhythm & Sound duo to be portrayed as a legacy act. It’s true that Moritz von Oswald and Mark Ernestus pretty much invented dub techno in the 90s and early-2000s. But they’ve also continued to produce excellent, innovative work ever since. Notably, the Moritz von Oswald Trio has produced a series of startlingly extra-terrestrial extrapolations on Jon Hassell’s fourth world music (fourth planet, more like it). Moritz continues his exploration of jazz-derived improvisation on the ‘New Songs & Variations’ EP, a collaboration with Denmark’s TLF trio. This material is more acoustically organic than the MVOT albums but is, if anything, even more enchanting. The most obvious comparison is to Oren Ambarchi’s trio with Johan Berthling and Andreas Werliin. ‘New Songs & Variations’ has the same hypnotic groove and atmospheric beauty. The synthesis of TLF’s playing and Moritz’s electronics is seamless. And at 26 minutes, this feels like a perfectly formed mini album, rather than a mere 12” single. It would be a shame if ‘New Songs…’ was relegated to being a footnote in the Basic Channel story. Instead, it should be seen as proof that, while countless imitators recycle his past glories, Moritz von Oswald continues to move forward and produce remarkable, inspiring music.

Following the resonating success of their initial collaboration, the TLF Trio—comprising Danish cellist Cæcilie Trier (CTM), pianist Jakob Littauer, and guitarist Mads Kristian Frøslev—reunites on Latency with electronic music legend Moritz von Oswald for the follow-up to their debut album, “Sweet Harmony.”

TLF Trio, along with Moritz von Oswald, once again delves into the realm of chamber music, this time with two new songs further exploring the intricate acoustic dynamics of their instruments with electronics. As the second instalment in this musical journey, “New Songs & Variations” builds upon the minimalistic, sculptural, and narrative qualities of its predecessor, weaving a tapestry of expressive and plural voices.

Moritz von Oswald, a central figure in the electronic music scene since the early ’90s, brings his wealth of experience to the project, reinterpreting two of TLF Trio’s previous works. From his early days as a classical percussionist to groundbreaking collaborations in the techno sphere, von Oswald’s influence has left an indelible mark. His role in co-founding Basic Channel/Rhythm & Sound and contributions to the Berlin-Detroit-Chicago axis have defined various strains of modern music.

“New Songs & Variations” not only captures the rich history and influence of Moritz von Oswald but also showcases his ongoing exploration into classical, experimental, and improvisational contexts. From recomposing Ravel and Mussorgsky’s music for Deutsche Grammophon to acclaimed collaborations with jazz trumpeter Nils Petter Molvær, composer Laurel Halo, or Afrobeat pioneer Tony Allen, von Oswald’s versatility continues to evolve.

TLF Trio and Moritz von Oswald invite listeners to embark on a sonic journey that bridges the past and the present, mirroring the transformative essence of Louise Lawler’s distorted image, which graces its cover—a testament to the delicate fluidity and shape-shifting nature of the music contained within.