In 2015, Berlin-run PAN released Lifted: a gorgeously unconventional, bicontinental collaboration spearheaded by Matt Papich (a.k.a. Co La) and Future Times’ Max D. With the help of Dawit Eklund of 1432 R, Motion Graphics, Jeremy Hyman, Jordan GCZ (Juju & Jordash), and Gigi Masin; the pair concocted a strikingly seamless, improvised fusion of wispy laptop ambient, jazzy percussive waterfalls, and prancing techno with academically-minded experimentalism lurking in the background.
Come June 7, the project will see its proper continuation. Lifted 2’s scale is even more expansive, both sonically and geographically: Brazil’s Repetentes 2008, Aya of Japan’s OOIOO, and several others join the talent pool. The album also involves the studio-as-a-tool to a larger degree, in an effort to re-imagine the mechanics of improvisation and put up “zero boundaries for the exploratory impulse.” The first track from the album, “Now More Than Ever,” is available now.
The LP was mastered by Pan’s Rashad Becker, and features art-work (see above) from the label’s founder, Bill Kouligas, and Johannes Schnatmann. Pre-order it here, and listen to “Now More Than Ever” below:
2 tracklisting:
01. Now More Than Ever
02. Total Cure
03. Mirror In My Room
04. Blackpepper
05. Purplelight Wish
06. Rose 31
07. Near Future