With a career that has seen him explore a wide range of musical terrains, Lars Bartkuhn’s work has always been marked by a unique fusion of organic and electronic elements. His past work, particularly the immersive 2023 album Dystopia, showcased his ability to create an expansive sound built around electronic and acoustic improvisation. With his latest release, Nomad, Bartkuhn returns to the roots of his earlier inspirations while charting new territory.
Inspired by a trip to sub-Saharan Africa, the album draws on a rich variety of influences, from Latin jazz-fusion, ambient and African music to the ‘fourth world’ explorations of Jon Hassell. The result is a record that seamlessly blends Bartkuhn’s ambient explorations with the rhythmic drive of his deep house origins, creating a sound that is both familiar and refreshingly new.
The album opens with “Every Morning I Meditate,” a soothing track that sets the tone for the journey ahead. It’s a gentle invitation to step into Bartkuhn’s world, where lush soundscapes and intricate rhythms intertwine. This is followed by “Transcend,” a track that reinvents one of Bartkuhn’s earlier singles with a sun-kissed, Brazilian jazz-fusion twist. Here, Bartkuhn nods to another of his inspirations, Pat Metheny, as he crafts a piece that feels both expansive and intimate.
As Nomad unfolds, Bartkuhn’s ability to blend improvisation with meticulous composition becomes increasingly apparent. Tracks like “Back To My Innerself” and “Flame” showcase his skill in creating dense, multi-layered sound worlds. “Back To My Innerself” is particularly noteworthy for its 6/8 time signature and Latin-tinged rhythms, which give the track a lively, organic feel. “Flame,” on the other hand, pays homage to the ethereal recordings of ECM Records in the 1970s, with its meandering melodies and richly textured arrangements.
Bartkuhn’s exploration of African music, which initially inspired his Nomad and Massai singles, is further evident in tracks like “Ghibliman” and “African Skies”—the former a fascinating blend of techno-influenced beats and fourth-world futurism, while the latter offers a more introspective take, with Bartkuhn’s vocalizations adding a deeply personal touch to the track. The album’s closing tracks, including the ambient groove of “Massai,” bring the journey to a satisfying conclusion.
Nomad is an album that defies easy categorization. It’s at once a continuation of Bartkuhn’s previous work and a bold step forward. The meticulous sound design, combined with the organic warmth of the instrumentation, makes for a listening experience that is both immersive and deeply personal. With Nomad, Lars Bartkuhn has created a sonic oasis, a place where you can lose yourself in the beauty and complexity of his music.
Listen/buy: Apple Music | Bandcamp | Spotify
