Lars Fischer returns as Klangkollektor to Jason Boardman’s Before I Die with a second instalment of his Dub Tapes. Volume 2 picks up exactly where its predecessor left off, employing a very similar sonic palette, drawn from analog instruments and effects. All 4 tracks are driven by Lars’ live B-line virtuosity. He’s played bass for a host of jazz bands and it shows. The bottom-end throughout is a constant, reassuring, warm, womb-like presence, that packs a deceptively powerful pulse. The subtle splashes of studio trickery might have their root in Basic Channel-esque techno, but the results reside somewhere far less minimal, more relaxed, more melodic and musical. The reverb and delay twisted into soothing, rather than room-shaking shapes. Resembling birdsong and mountain streams. Lars’ piano improvisations are also integral to everything. On Ferry From Torkwirth these conjure a calming, contemplative theme. 

The 3 remaining tunes head into territory that Claremont 56 have made their own. Staked out on a groovy, dubby border between boogie, soft rock and kosmische. It’s perhaps no coincidence that Lars works closely with Frank Mollena, the force behind Claremont-associated acts Mountaineer, Fursattl and Bambi Davidson. Starlings is graced by a serene synergy of rippling keys and glacial synth, while the chilled, chugging, 9-minute Isle Of Stonesy features laidback pedal steel licks. Stuffed with rich, diverting detail for stoners and siesta seekers, the EP is certainly a set that you’re supposed to sit back, settle into and savour. 

Klangkollektor’s Dub Tapes Volume 2 can be ordered directly from Before I Die.