Paul Kalkbrenner delivers ‘KABELMANN’ EP alongside short films: Listen

Paul Kalkbrenner has delivered two new singles for his KABELMANN EP. The tracks accompany two short films that were directed by Mother Berlin and shot on-site in Machester and Berlin.

Having previously come together for Schwer, Paul Kalkbrenner, and Mother Berlin have joined forces again for the two-part KABELMANN project. KABELMANN 1 features a driving kick drum as the producer contrasts the force with beautiful plucks, synths, and leads, offering an emotional and introspective release. This ties in strongly with the visual. In the movie, a man is seen walking through communities with large black cables flowing from his back as he searches for a human connection. When he does engage with humanity, images of Kalkbrenner can be seen, representing a powerful energy force.

For KABELMANN 2, Kalkbrenner provides a bright melody and synths throughout. Opening with a powerful synth, the percussion arrives, offering a driving contrast that perfectly suits the energy of the short film associated with it. When the lead melody arrives, it is big and memorable, and the seasoned producer continues to introduce and remove elements throughout with just the synths as the constant. The visual accompaniment is a much darker affair, an almost dreamlike sequence as the protagonist endures violent sequences and growth ending with an ambiguous conclusion.

The almost conflicting and juxtaposing combinations of sights and sounds work well to enhance both pieces of art. The two short films, shot on Kodak 16mm film, are beautiful works of art, allowing viewers to explore the deep themes and imagery across both pieces. The music of Paul Kalkbrenner provides the perfect soundtrack, offering emotional highs and lows that enhance the films but also will delight fans of the producer when experienced on their own.