Exploring Emotional Depths: Kölsch’s Fifth Album ‘I Talk To Water’ Released in October 2023
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#kölschDanish producer Kölsch unveils his fifth album for Kompakt, titled “I Talk To Water,” released in October 2023. This album stands out as his most personal and emotionally charged work to date. Known for his lush, melodic techno and trance-like elements, Kölsch delves deeper into intimate themes of family and loss in this profound release.
The heart of “I Talk To Water” is shaped by recordings of Kölsch’s father, Patrick Reilly, a musician who passed away in 2003. The pandemic offered Kölsch a reflective period, allowing him to explore his father’s musical legacy. Reilly’s recordings, which include guitar pieces and songs, form the emotional backbone of the album, bridging past and present in a sensitive and poetic manner.
Kölsch’s father, who toured as a musician in the 60s and 70s, chose to focus on his family rather than pursue a musical career. During the pandemic, Kölsch revisited his father’s fragmented body of work, deciding to release it as a tribute. This album represents a process of loss and serves as a cathartic journey for Kölsch, who has been driven by the emotional aspect of his father’s absence throughout his musical career.
The album features three tracks with Reilly’s recordings: “Grape,” “Tell Me,” and “It Ends Where It Began.” “Grape” is woven with Reilly’s guitar, layered with rhythmic clicks and a melancholic bass. “Tell Me” is a minimalist art song, featuring gentle keys and a subdued pulse, while “It Ends Where It Began” showcases Reilly’s acoustic guitar in a folksy, dreamlike lament recorded in 1996.
Beyond these intimate collaborations, the album includes tracks like “Pet Sound,” a nod to one of Reilly’s favorite albums, which blends lush soundscapes with an itchy texture. “Khenpo” features flickering synths and yearning vocal samples, while “Only Get Better” and “Implant” explore ecstatic shudders and slow-motion pans, respectively.
The title track, “I Talk To Water,” includes a guest appearance by Perry Farrell (Jane’s Addiction, Porno For Pyros), who sings a reflective mantra. Farrell’s involvement adds a unique dimension to the album, aligning with his recent interest in electronic music. The track’s lyrics emphasize the theme of seeking solace in nature and using it as a guide through mourning.
“I Talk To Water” exemplifies Kölsch’s ability to create dance music that resonates on multiple levels, appealing to both the body and mind. This album is a testament to his skill in mapping the emotional terrain of the heart, offering listeners a deeply moving experience that transcends the dance floor.
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