Isolee by name, Isolee by nature, the electronic dance music of Germany’s Raijko Muller is definitely in a league of its own.  But, much like fellow innovators Vladislav Delay, Akufen and Ricardo Villalobos, he also imbues it with a soul as deep as the beats are pristine.  This collection of works released either side of 2000’s shimmering Rest debut and last year’s equally refined We Are Monster proves it.  Demonstrating an astute understanding of the value of space, Muller lets his music breathe, his bass lines and kick drums striking dark, heavy pulses, while a rich tapestry of pops, clicks, hisses, buzzes and whirrs lend colour and light alongside fragmented techno melodies and occasionally – and quite brilliantly – song.  The instrumentals aren’t all as good as the vocal treats, but Muller rarely hits a groove for long without tossing a funky new rhythm or fresh sound into the mix, and fans who missed the 12”s will be delighted that, as well as ten other potent club tracks, the genius Freeform Reform mix of the seminal Beau Mot Plage is also included herein, as is the equally euphoric Lost.  Dub, disco, electro, techno, house, pop – it’s all here: a mesmerising, late-night soundtrack and a fine reminder of this superlative European talent.  Why can’t all dance music be this good?  

Hobbes

(Printed in The List magzine, March 2006. Re-published with thanks)