Alright, let’s dive into Variationen In Cmoll Gmoll Und Fismoll by Tombadour & Markus Jakisic—a reggae gem that sneaked out of Germany back in 2014. Label? Huette Records. The vibe? Chilled but deep, like sitting under a tree on a cloudy day with your headphones on.
First off, this album isn’t trying to reinvent reggae—it’s more about tweaking it just enough to make you pause mid-sip of your coffee and think, “Wait… what was that?” It’s got soul, man. And I ain’t talking generic soul; I mean the kind where you can almost feel the studio vibes—like everyone involved knew they were onto something special.
Now, two tracks stuck with me: "Nice Variation" and "Weizenfelder Variation." Let’s break ‘em down.
“Nice Variation” hits different. Like, who names a song "Nice," right? But don’t let the chill title fool ya—it’s packed with layers. Thomas Gartmayer’s vocals float over Markus Jakisic’s piano work so effortlessly, it feels like watching clouds drift across the sky. You know those moments when life slows down for no reason? That’s this track. It’s not flashy or loud, but there’s something comforting about how understated it is. Feels like an old friend saying hello without needing words.
Then there’s “Weizenfelder Variation,” which kinda throws you off at first. The rhythm has this swaying groove that reminds me of walking through wheat fields (yeah, I went there). Maybe it’s because “weizenfelder” literally means wheat fields, but whatever—it works. There’s a rawness to the recording quality too, thanks to Markus Weiss behind the board. It doesn’t sound overly polished, and honestly, that’s why I dig it. Feels real. Feels human.
Martin Scheer deserves a shout-out—he mixed AND mastered this thing, and dude clearly knows his stuff. Everything sits perfectly in place, like pieces of a puzzle that somehow fit together even though they shouldn’t.
Here’s the kicker though: this album makes me wonder if reggae needs sunshine and beaches to thrive. Because Variationen comes straight from Germany, land of bratwurst and frosty winters, yet it still nails that laid-back island energy. Weird flex, but impressive.
So yeah, if you’re looking for music that doesn’t scream for attention but instead whispers its way into your heart, give this one a spin. Just don’t expect perfection—because sometimes, imperfection is exactly what makes art unforgettable. Oh, and maybe grab some pretzels while you listen. Seems fitting.
