Rennen
by Sohn
  • Record Label: 4AD
  • Release Date: Jan 13, 2017
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
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  1. zabboo
    Jan 15, 2017
    9
    An incredible album that keeps the listener engaged and expertly fuses the beats and synths of modern EDM and electronic music with the old-school melodies of the blues.
  2. 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'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 albumUpon 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    … Expand
  3. 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 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 aOnly 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.… Expand
  4. 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), 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 toWhile 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.… Expand
  5. WolfLambert
    Jan 16, 2017
    7
    First impression: eh. Tremors was already quite minimalist, but this takes that minimalism to the next level. There's no real equivalent of the somewhat louder and more climactic standouts on Tremors (Bloodflows, Artifice), and the extensive vocal sampling (Tempest, The Wheel), one of my favourite aspects of SOHN's music, is pretty much gone. Sure, there are a few highlights on here, and aFirst impression: eh. Tremors was already quite minimalist, but this takes that minimalism to the next level. There's no real equivalent of the somewhat louder and more climactic standouts on Tremors (Bloodflows, Artifice), and the extensive vocal sampling (Tempest, The Wheel), one of my favourite aspects of SOHN's music, is pretty much gone. Sure, there are a few highlights on here, and a few songs take surprisingly great turns near the end which save them from being boring, but while SOHN seems to have found a style to call his own, and although he has certainly grown as a producer, he seems to have lost some of the magic that made his debut special.… Expand
  6. Music_Observer
    May 16, 2017
    6
    Too many vocal oddities and dead spots got in the way of this being a sonic masterpiece, but the sound did set a nice relaxing tone that never faltered despite the lack of important musical moments. My Score: 112/180 (Okay) = 6.2/10
  7. Teraphonic
    Feb 22, 2017
    7
    It's foreseeable that Sohn will become one of the most welcomed music festival guests for his stronger and stronger personal label. However following his same suit makes the boredom take over from time to time.
  8. greekmatthew
    Apr 5, 2017
    6
    While Rennen does not come quite as close to the triumph that is Tremors, it has key moments and sounds that invoke emotion and tranquility and will keep you listening. SOHN has proved himself to be a giant on the indietronica stage in music, and I hope he stays that way.
  9. SusanListens
    Mar 25, 2017
    9
    This album builds on previous work by SOHN, but here SOHN has brought it all together, filled with strong tracks. While Hard Liquor and Proif have caught the early attention of the public, Conrad should be the anthem for those fighting on the streets in the battle to slow climate change. Proof also brings in some strong anti-system messaging. The lyrics of this album show growth of SOHN asThis album builds on previous work by SOHN, but here SOHN has brought it all together, filled with strong tracks. While Hard Liquor and Proif have caught the early attention of the public, Conrad should be the anthem for those fighting on the streets in the battle to slow climate change. Proof also brings in some strong anti-system messaging. The lyrics of this album show growth of SOHN as a songwriter, although the Previous album (Tremors) was rife with message-filled lyrics. The album Rennen is my current addiction and has been for about six weeks. FYI, I am writing from the perspective of a 61yo female.… Expand

Critic Reviews

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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
  1. 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.
    Read full review
  2. Mixmag
    Feb 6, 2017
    60
    It’d be nice to hear voice and production crack and cut loose even more--but he’s heading in the right direction.
    Read full review
  3. Pretty Much Amazing
    Jan 17, 2017
    42
    It’s well-produced, clean and unobjectionable. Rennen fits this bill nicely, if that’s what you’re looking for. But regardless of whether it’s something you want, it’s nothing you need.
    Read full review
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