Mas Bokus (real name Jakob von Massenbach) is a Berlin-based electronic and experimental producer and sound designer. The young artist just released his sophomore album Reconnecting on ||||||||||||||||||||'s record label 110100100.global.
The verb reconnecting implies the fact that there has been a connection prior to the here and now. Whether that's re-vitalizing a relationship with an old long-lost friend or simply getting back to that WhatsApp call, it marks the return to something from the past. It is the latter that inspired Jakob to embark on a 3-year-old journey that will eventually become his new 10-track album Reconnecting. The album, which is ultimately about re-discovering yourself, takes you on a diverse journey, blending deep ambient soundscapes, evocative field recordings, powerful drum breaks, and heartfelt vocal samples.
find Reconnecting on Spotify / Apple Music / Deezer / TIDAL / Amazon Music
The first time I heard the album I had an instant flashback to the days when I discovered the music of Aphex Twin and Com Truise as I feel there's a strong influence on those artists on the record. Whether that's in the mindful approach to building up a story, or the choice of sounds and field recordings, I am not sure, but it just felt beautifully familiar and warm, experiencing Reconnecting for the first time.
When it comes to the inspiration, Jakob shares, "The phrase 'it won't be like this forever' has resonated a lot with me during that time. Things are continuously changing, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. But then consciousness also stays here unbroken. Only after making this album, i noticed that the most important "ingredient" in this LP is time. It’s a lot about taking your time, processing time, but also seeing the moment. I also took my time to make this album. I'm excited to finally share it with the world!".
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I appreciate how humble Jakob is and despite writing the album about a rather individual experience and effort (re-connecting with yourself), he gives flowers to his friends who were part of this pivotal journey. "Making this album over the last 3 years was a labor of love and while it is being a solo record, it was also a collaborative effort between my friends and me. They were not only emotionally supporting me but also helping me with mixing, mastering, and networking.", he elaborates.
Going back to the experience of Reconnecting. I was pleasantly surprised by how cohesive the record sounds. That being said, you can cherry-pick different songs and still have that feeling of beautiful lonesome required to be able to get to know yourself once more.
If you are looking for a place to start, my personal recommendation would be "Human" because of how it masterfully belts out from a rather warm and inviting downtempo track to a lush experimental lullaby. Also, for those who are more into synthwave and appreciate the art of artists like Tycho and RJD2, then "Windows and Radiators" will feel like home.
Reconnecting is a gift to all of us and I am sure if you give your time and attention, you'll get alot more back from that album.
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