Name: Berlin. A Portrait In Music
Brand: SLV

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

SOMACD122

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Colour

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2019-02-22

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

PIAS

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

0502485612223

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Total Cap

1 / CD / Extended format: No / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No

Artist

Genre GB

Electronic

Label GB

Soma

Soma is a US label based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was founded in 1954 by brothers Amos and Dan Heilicher, with the name being "Amos" spelled backwards. The first 17 releases were from FM Recording Co of Hollywood, California, some of which were reissued on Soma. Initially focusing on polka music, old-time country and western, and jazz groups, Soma's breakthrough came with Bobby Vee's regional hit "Suzie Baby" in 1959.

Over the years, Soma released several notable hits including "Mule Skinner Blues" by *The Fendermen*, "Liar Liar" by *The Castaways*, "Run, Run, Run" by *The Gestures*, and the iconic "Surfin' Bird" by *The Trashmen*. While Soma recorded many local rock groups during the 1960s such as *The Accents*, Gregory Dee and The Avanties", *The Underbeats*, and *The Del Counts*, they also distributed records for smaller labels like Garrett Records.

In addition to their recording endeavors, Amos Heilicher had ownership in Kay Bank recording studio where most of Soma's recordings took place. However, in 1967 Soma merged its co-owned record distributing company into Pickwick Records. The Heilicher brothers eventually left the recorded music business in 1977.

Stemming from the heart of East Berlin, German producer SLV has picked up a number of influences on his musical journey whilst living amongst electronic music culture from an early age. Having steadily built a reputation for himself for diving into the realms of melancholic sound design, reflected in previous releases on Soma and Ilario Alicante’s Virgo label, his Berlin. Portrait In Music album sees him add to his long list of Soma contributions following the recent standout Athenæum 101 LP from label bosses Slam themselves.

First Day In The City sets the tone right from the off with hypnotizing keys, emotive atmospherics and alleviating sound design, whilst Sky follows suit as it balances drones with otherworldly soundscapes. This Cold Night and Forest Voices delightfully maintain the stirring ambience throughout as tranquilizing vibrations take the focus, before Mirage and Dust deliver heartwarming oscillations layered with captivating sonics.

Dark but uplifting moods are later conveyed within Night Stars and January 31, journeying through arousing aesthetics from start to finish. Talking With Shadows then harmonizes between deep, syncopated drums and low strung synth stabs until eloquent chords balanced and angelic pads together display a poignant aura in Melancholy Dreams. Away then elegantly rounds things off with tender strings, alluring melodies and moving elements.

Berlin. A Portrait In Music

Music GB