Album Review: Permanent Initio EP by Ffwd & Peter Schumann
Released in 2004 on Germany’s Catenaccio Records, Permanent Initio EP is a solid entry into the electronic music scene, blending House, Tech House, and Minimal styles with a precision that feels distinctly European. Mastered by Andreas, this EP doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel but instead refines it—offering listeners a sleek sonic experience that’s both functional and evocative.
The opening track, “Permanent Initio,” kicks things off with a hypnotic groove that lingers long after the needle lifts (or the stream ends, depending on your setup). Its pulsating bassline and crisp hi-hats create a sense of urgency without overwhelming the listener. What makes this track stick? It's the subtle layers—tiny synth flourishes and distant echoes—that feel almost like whispers from another room. You don’t notice them at first, but once you do, they completely change how you hear the song. It’s minimalism done right: simple enough to vibe to, complex enough to dissect.
Then there’s “Risikogruppe,” which takes things down a darker path. The rhythm here is more jagged, less forgiving, and honestly? That’s what makes it memorable. There’s an industrial edge to the percussion, as if the beats were forged in some underground Berlin club. Around the midway point, a distorted vocal sample slices through the mix, giving the track an eerie, almost cinematic quality. It’s not something I’d play at a dinner party, but damn, it works when you’re deep into a late-night listening session or just need something gritty to match your mood.
Ffwd & Peter Schumann clearly know their way around production. They don’t overload these tracks with unnecessary frills; instead, every element serves a purpose. This restraint gives Permanent Initio EP a timeless quality despite its age. Sure, tech has advanced since 2004, but good music doesn’t rely on flashy tricks—it relies on emotion and execution. And this EP delivers both.
One thing worth noting is how well Andreas mastered the release. Everything sounds clean yet retains a rawness that keeps the energy alive. Kudos to him for striking that balance.
Reflecting on Permanent Initio EP, it strikes me how albums like this remind us of music’s power to transport. Listening to it felt like stepping into a time machine—not just back to 2004, but into those smoky clubs where genres blurred and creativity thrived. Oddly enough, though, my cat also seemed unusually intrigued by “Risikogruppe.” Maybe she sensed the danger in those beats. Who knows? Either way, props to Ffwd & Peter Schumann for making an album that appeals even to felines.
