Matthias Vogt "Frankfurt Sour EP"

Matthias Vogt, one half of the noted and long-standing Motorcitysoul project, provides an additional contribution to his modest and occasional solo discography with his ‘Frankfurt Sour´ EP, released through Urban Torque. Just as his discography can be described as modest, so too can this EP, as both tracks oh here endeavor to take the listener through a light-footed stroll through some pleasing, relaxed landscapes.

Despite being a venture unto his own, Vogt nevertheless successfully integrates the lively jazziness of his Motorcitysoul influences with his own unique touches, and this amalgam is most apparent with ´Truffle.´ Cool, calm and collected, the track subtly cruises through a narrow range of well complimented sparkling synth lines and piano sprinklings driven by a boyount bassline. With the exception of a couple of mildly accentuating pauses, there are no noteworthy highs or lows to be found here; just an evenly paced musical slide show from beginning to end.

´Frankfurt Sour´ feels the more deliberately minded of the two, in addition to a greater emphasis placed on melody when compared to ‘Truffle´. Despite being as essentially laid back as its counterpart, ‘Frankfurt Sour´ also manages to be the more active and aggressive release on this EP. While structurally similar to ‘Truffle´, it too is without many significant points of development to take note of. Rather, ‘Frankfurt Sour´ quickly introduces us to a host of variously toned and vigorous synths that jump away at regular intervals amidst the background of a persisting, whaling melody. While mildly pleasant, it is also rather uneventful, with its lead melody feeling excessively drawn out.

On the note of pleasant listens, it can be said that such a description is appropriate for both these tracks, with ‘Truffle´ emerging as the finer of the two. With this EP, Vogt provides the equivalent of a casual, non-committal cruise through the countryside with some well placed landmarks securing the listener´s attention throughout the duration.