Marcel Dettmann | Approaching EP | My Own Shadow (!K7 Records)

The Review

Marcel Dettmann opens a new chapter in his illustrious career with Approaching EP, the inaugural release of his My Own Shadow platform. Described as “a space where all of my artistic expressions meet,” this project blends techno with photography and visual art, aiming for a “full sensory narrative.” The music here spans techno and ambient, fizzing with a madcap funk and energy quite unlike his previous productions.

Track-by-Track Breakdown

1. DMT The EP opens with a distinctively colorful and robotic soundscape that immediately grounds the listener in the quintessential Berlin aesthetic. While “DMT” sits at a restrained 124 BPM, the track is deceptive; it coils with a kinetic tension that is undeniably effective on the floor. The sound design is crisp and mechanical, yet it carries a funk that prevents it from feeling sterile, inviting movement through its precision.

2. Thinking Here, Dettmann reveals his most intimate and psychological side. What begins as an introspective introduction quickly dissolves into a demented, hypnotic groove that feels designed for the deep hours. It is a masterclass in tension, utilizing repetitive, warping loops to create a dense mental atmosphere that envelopes the listener completely.

3. Approaching Acting as the structural pivot of the record, this ambient piece serves as a necessary transitional nexus between the EP’s two distinct halves. It offers a moment of cinematic respite, cleansing the sonic palette with spacious textures and atmospheric depth before the energy shifts once again.

4. Without a cause (feat. Ogazón) A standout moment of innovation, this collaboration with Ogazón introduces a refreshing ‘soft track’ dynamic to Dettmann’s catalog. Melodic vocals drift over subtle, understated instrumentation, creating a track that is deeply comforting on home listening yet surprisingly punchy on a club system. It strikes a rare balance between emotional weight and physical impact.

5. Timefold The EP closes with a return to grit. “Timefold” leans heavily into a tribal aesthetic, driven by crunchy, textured kick drums that demand attention. It merges this rhythmic rawness with Dettmann’s signature elegant industrialism, resulting in a sophisticated DJ tool that is both abrasive and polished.

Conclusion

‘Approaching EP’ is a remarkably balanced body of work. Dettmann manages to satisfy his long-time purist followers while offering a fresh, accessible entry point for lovers of the contemporary Berlin sound. It is a versatile record that will serve open-minded DJs looking to broaden their sonic horizons.