Legowelt

OK...first post...reeeally nervous...sweating on my keyboard. Here goes...

You Should Be Listening To:
Legowelt

This guy right here happens to be one that I discovered while crate digging with Mr. Clipr himself. It was barely a year ago, but in that short while I’ve delved into the catalog of the prolific Danny Wolfers, who records under the nom-de-plume Legowelt. I’ll save the background information and anecdotes for the Wikipedia page (short story: he’s fron Den Haag, Netherlands and he released his first album in 1998). My first exposure was to the popular Classics 1998-2003: A Selection Of Tracks From The Archive Bunker double 12” LP. The Legowelt sound draws from straight-up electro, Italo disco, Miami bass, Chicago house, slam jack, and Euro-horror and classic science fiction soundtracks/scores.

With close to 20 proper releases under the Legowelt moniker (not counting remixes and compilation appearances), there are yet more, scarcer efforts recorded under peripheral guises. Night of the Illuminati, his ode to Italian horror film soundtracks, was released under the name Squadra Blanco. Mystery Organisation is a Cold War-era spy thriller homage EP listed under the “code name” Venom 18. Slave of Rome, released as Gladio, is his epic period piece set in the ancient metropolis, with filthy, throbbing analogue disco as the perfect soundtrack to oppressive hedonistic good times. It’s apparent that Danny would have been a director, or at least a movie critic, had he not crossed over into the sound-world where he now dwells— surrounded by vintage Roland and Korg synthesizers, drum machines, reel-to-reels, and other beautiful, nerdy analogue detritus.

Danny Wolfers has also developed this storytelling further through his various ambient music personae: Smackos (heavily influenced by John Carpenter), Franz Falckenhaus, Phalangius, Klaus Weltman—all released on his Strange Life label. The most recent of these is the forthcoming Twilight Moose, which he has described as “Scandinavian, Drexciyan electro…with an Alaska feeling”. Sounds ridiculous, but from the tracks I’ve heard it’s accurate.

This cinematic style has taken center stage in the Wolfers universe over the past few years. Even releases under the Legowelt alias have taken on a more brooding, ominous tone with less emphasis on melody and bounce than on texture and overall drama. When asked during a 2007 radio interview for Tweak FM in Sweden whether he has considered going back to a more disco-oriented sound he replied that there’s no “revival” planned, but that there is some “dark, tragic, evil disco” brewing in the Ewok Village (Legowelt’s home studio). ...And I'm drooling.

-------------------

Recommended:

Wirtschaftswunder : Bunker Records : 2000
An italo disco monster. This sounds like a more muscular version of New Order—one with a Mopar engine and glass packs.
Favorite Tracks: The Hague Disco Elite, Dirty Love

Klaus Kinski EP : Bunker Records : 2002
The birth of Wolfers cinematic musings. The opener ‘Fizzcaraldo’ is the perfect example of his meshing of styles (Miami bass with melodic old school electro—maybe this reviewers favorite Lego’ track ever). This 30 minute EP comfortably packs in bass-heavy dancefloor tracks alongside atonal, experimental compositions.
Favorite Tracks: Fizzcaraldo, Against the World, Arrival At the Station

Night of the Illuminati : Holosynthesis : 2002 [released as Squadra Blanco]
Remember the first time you saw Suspiria or Black Sunday? This album evokes those same feelings. Set in a remote Alpine resort, the story unfolds of a young girl drawn into a secret society with unholy traditions and appetites. Creepy. Brilliant.
Favorite Tracks: The Dream That Doesn’t Stop, Theme From The Forgotten Cable Car

Tracks From The Tube : Stilleben Records : 2002
Anyone who has tried to spin Legowelt into your average North American techno or House set knows that it is no venture to go into lightly. This shit is filthy, heavy and does not play well with other tracks.
Favorite Tracks: Gotoburg Jacks, Don’t Cry For What I Am

Master of House : Acid Planet/Bunker Records : 2005 [released as Salamandos]
Billed as an “obscure 80’s” acid producer from Chicago, 4 solid limited edition releases under the Salamandos moniker trickled out of the Bunker “vaults” in 2005. All are dance floor destroyers, but this one is the best.
Favorite Tracks: World of Salamandos, Kick Out The Jocks

The Land Of Lonzo : Strange Life Records : 2006
Another jaunt into the underbelly of the Chicago sound. Sweaty, claustrophobic jams with plenty of old school drums and acidic synths. Lyrical yet—jacking. As one would expect.
Favorite Tracks: Mysteries Of The Ghetto, Lonzo Dance

-------------------

Label Links:
Bunker
Clone Records
Creme Organisation
Strange Life