Rennen
by Sohn
  • Record Label: 4AD
  • Release Date: Jan 13, 2017
Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
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  1. The 405
    Jan 12, 2017
    80
    SOHN doesn’t drown on Rennen, nor does he tread water, sticking within the confines of the music he’s already created. Rennen is SOHN diving into new creative depths, and triumphing.
  2. The Line of Best Fit
    Jan 12, 2017
    80
    As a soundtrack to a new era where we’re all through the looking glass, old certainties bonfired and every phone alert quickening the pulse, Rennen hits the right tone--its rhythms shivering and uneasy, its melodies veering from melancholy to euphoria in a single stride.
  3. Clash Music
    Jan 12, 2017
    80
    It’s a follow-up that interlocks with the debut perfectly, building on its foundation both lavish and coy, doing pop music that’s both bang on target and way too wise for the charts. A dot of light in the darkness that will dazzle you should you look too long.
  5. Uncut
    Jan 5, 2017
    80
    It seems relocating from Vienna to L.A., getting married and becoming a father has nudged the British-born producer-performer closer t conventional R&B electro-pop on his second album, with mostly positive results. [Feb 2017, p.38]
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  6. The Skinny
    Jan 5, 2017
    80
    There's a real vulnerability to Taylor's voice, too, reminding us of his mastery of light and shade. Rennen is more thought-provoking than its predecessor, but it's still unmistakably SOHN.
  7. AllMusic
    Jan 12, 2017
    70
    Perhaps the biggest surprise of all, though, is that Sohn hasn't pushed his musical boundaries further; perhaps next time he will completely run wild.
  8. PopMatters
    Jan 11, 2017
    70
    If at times Rennen suffers under the weight of its own trendiness, it finds redemption in SOHN’s unmistakable craftsmanship and ear for nuance.
  9. Austin Chronicle
    Mar 15, 2017
    67
    Vienna-based English producer/songwriter Christopher Taylor breathes more life into his glitch-filled indie R&B on strong sophomore full-length Rennen.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 37 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 37
  3. Negative: 1 out of 37
  1. Book_of_Essence
    Jan 22, 2017
    4
    While SOHN'S debut had a very novel sound to it (specifically through its use of Christopher's vocal snippets as instrumental layering), hisWhile SOHN'S debut had a very novel sound to it (specifically through its use of Christopher's vocal snippets as instrumental layering), his followup album disengages those eccentricities and follows a paint-by-numbers approach to songwriting. SOHN is still very much capable (the actual separation and leveling is immaculate), but nothing here truly excites in the way that a followup to Tremors SHOULD. If his previous release was momentum, this one is a brick wall.… Full Review »
  2. JonnyPicklechin
    Jan 19, 2017
    6
    Only second listen but the neo-blues stuff seems tired. Vocals loop and twist but just as you wait for a surprise we are taken down to eerieOnly second listen but the neo-blues stuff seems tired. Vocals loop and twist but just as you wait for a surprise we are taken down to eerie electronic kick drum beats and not much else. Later experimental tracks veer in and out of ambient trance -But without the undulating swells of multi textural layered electronica and the ethereal vocal loops of the debut, I feel stranded in a minimalist world that artists such as Boards of Canada perform so much better. Most of all its the melodies I miss. Will give a few more tries.… Full Review »
  3. mikethesloan
    Jan 18, 2017
    8
    Upon my third listen my ears were used to the thick, surreal, full, and busy synth tones that filled my listening space. This is Sohn'sUpon my third listen my ears were used to the thick, surreal, full, and busy synth tones that filled my listening space. This is Sohn's sophmore release, and I couldn't be more pleased. From painful blues style vocals to vocals that sound like a menacing android from the future, Sohn delivers. Check out my favorite tracks: Conrad, Signal and Dead Wrong. I can't wait for the next album to drop.

    ~SLOAN    … Full Review »
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