Bassmartinreis by Emtin: A Minimal Gem That Still Kicks
Alright, let’s talk about Bassmartinreis, the 2008 electronic album from Germany’s own Emtin. Released under One Way Ticket (yes, twice—don’t ask me why), this thing is a slice of tech house and minimal magic that feels like it came straight outta some underground Berlin club. And honestly? It still bangs.
First off, there’s the title track, “Bassmartinreis.” I mean, come on, what even is that name? Sounds like someone mashed their keyboard while eating a sandwich. But don’t let the weird title fool ya—it’s pure vibes. The beat builds slow, almost teasing you, then BAM, it drops into this hypnotic groove that just locks you in. You can practically feel the strobe lights flashing as you listen. There’s something kinda raw about how stripped-down it is, but that’s what makes it unforgettable. It’s not trying too hard; it just exists. Like, if minimal techno had a chill older brother who smokes hand-rolled cigarettes, this would be him.
Then there’s the remix version, “Bassmartinreis-remix.” Now, here’s where things get spicy. Whoever did the remix took the original and gave it a bit more edge, added layers that make it feel bigger, bolder. It’s less introspective, more “let’s lose our minds on the dancefloor.” The bassline hits harder, the rhythm twists in ways you don’t expect, and suddenly you’re not just listening—you’re living it. Honestly, I’ve caught myself zoning out to this one at 3 AM, staring at my ceiling like, “Wow, this is... life?”
What sticks with me most isn’t just the music itself, though—it’s how these tracks feel timeless. Tech house and minimal stuff often gets labeled as “cold” or “too technical,” but Bassmartinreis breaks that mold. It’s emotional without being cheesy, intricate without being pretentious. Listening to it feels like finding an old Polaroid photo you forgot existed. Yeah, it’s faded around the edges, but damn does it bring back memories.
And hey, maybe that’s why this album works so well—it doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel. Instead, it reminds us why we fell for electronic music in the first place. Those late nights, those weird moments when time seems to stretch forever… yeah, this album gets all of that.
Oh, random thought: Did anyone else notice how both tracks sound better when you’re slightly tipsy? No? Just me? Cool, moving on.
So yeah, Bassmartinreis might not change your life, but it’ll definitely upgrade your playlist. If nothing else, it proves that sometimes the simplest beats leave the biggest marks.
