“The one thing that computer-made music struggles with is that humanized swing and authentic feel that all more conventional music has…But if you ever need a reference on what humanized dance music is, look no further than Calcou.”
Magnetic Magazine
“Calcou mezmerizes on sophomore album ‘Murmuration’, echoing resonance of nature.”
When We Dip
“Reminiscent of the crisp electronics that underpin Bonobo’s work, ‘Below’ has a neat painterly touch that daubs the song in colour.”
CLASH Magazine
“The track combines beautifully arranged synth works, mesmerizing percussion and irresistible grooviness, to offer an ear-caressing and mind-easing journey”
Stereofox
“Listening to Day 9 feels like a lush experience that takes you on a calming journey throughout; it’s a stunning track that cements itself as the one for the playlists.”
Our Culture Magazine
[‘Above’] “Offers an atmospheric and rhythmic composition crafted with a snapping beat, shimmery bells, combined with a driving legato bass and peppered throughout with pulsating staccato synth lines.”
Plastic Magazine
LISTEN: Calcou – Murmuration Album
Stream/Download: Calcou – Murmuration Album
Multi-instrumentalist, producer and composer Calcou has shared his sophomore album Murmuration on July 5th, 2024 via MfRD+C. Calcou’s latest singles were picked by worldwide Spotify editorials for playlists like Fresh Finds, Late Night Vibes, metropolis or by Apple US for focus playlists like Today’s Chill. He has received support from numerous blogs and magazines such as CLASH Magazine, Stereofox, Son Of Marketing, House Music With Love, Majestic Casual and ElectroPosé to name a few. Calcou has worked with a wide range of well-known brands including Universal Music and BMW, who have just featured his latest release ‘Anthophyllite’ in a global ad campaign.
Born in Tübingen and based in Berlin, Germany, Calcou is a classically-trained composer with a creative background as a jazz pianist, the influences of which can be heard in his earlier electronic works such as ‘Day 9’. However, the electronic music culture in Berlin has left deep traces in his sound, steering it further towards the realms of deep house and electronica with each new release. Calcou finds inspiration in the works of Kiasmos, Bonobo, and Caribou while his latest release calls to mind the likes of Four Tet, Maribou State and George FitzGerald.
Murmuration is a beautiful odyssey moving through deep house electronica and beyond. Calcou keeps his listener locked in with deep, driving basslines, twinkling synths and mesmerizing pads, all steeped in the echoey resonance of nature. The focus track, ‘Birdsong’, is a track that truly lives up to its name. Delicate piano chords usher in a gentle breakbeat as hypnotic, organic textures weave their way into the fray. After a peaceful bridge, the groove returns with more drive and vigor, steering the ship to a glimmering outro. The album’s sonic elements are intricately arranged, with the marriage of glitchy and natural sounds producing an exhilarating and soothing experience for the listener.
Calcou shared: “After several EPs that felt more like fragments, I finally wanted to tell a whole story. Last year I saw huge flocks of birds dancing almost synchronously across the sky. I captured them on my phone and when I went back to the studio I was completely in awe: The movements of the birds seemed to lock in with my music immediately and it all felt very dreamy and hypnotic, other times driving and euphoric.
It was incredible to discover how much rhythm and variation there is in the flight of birds and how inspiring it is to compose to it.
To me, Murmuration feels very personal. It’s my first album and I think that’s always a special moment. I have tried to bring in many musical influences that have defined me as a human being and connect them as if in a swarm – Field Recordings, Re-Sampling, Acoustic elements, Jazz, Synthesziers and everything in between. I really hope the listener can feel the love for detail I put into creating this album but also the beauty of nature that inspired it.”
Murmuration Tracklist:
1. Molecule City
2. Birdsong
3. Wasteland
4. Time
5. Anthophyllite
6. About last night (still dreaming)
7. Gathering the shattered fragments of a thought
8. Chasing memories
9. Wait for you
10. Wanderlust
11. A new beginning
