Over the last (almost) ten years, Matthias Reiling and Hauke Freer have forged sounds so wonderfully groovy, it takes jodi-like self-restraint to avoid gyrating to their musical feats. Saturated in meticulously sought samples and with astute nods to disco and soul, their endeavours demonstrate a passionate and knowledgeable approach to crafting music live. As they unleash their third album on Delusions of Grandeur, another with its own set of striking visuals, we drill the duo on their favourite record sleeves, alongside a playlist below of their favourite tracks from each.
Catch Session Victim live for Rhythm Section meets Infusions on 30th June. They appear alongside Lakuti, Wax’o Paradiso, Bradley Zero, Esa and Kay Suzuki.
What was the first record you bought or listened to because of its record sleeve? What was special about it?
Hauke: In 10th grade I skipped class to hang out at the local record shop. The owner let me listen to every new release and was ok with me taking two weeks to decide on which record I would spend my pocket money. I needed to choose between two trip-hop compilations and picked this one in the end because I liked the cover better.
How important a role do record sleeves play when you’re buying records?
Matthias: That depends. Some records you take from the crate and give them a listen although you know nothing about them, but the cover somehow caught your attention while browsing. I found quite a few of my now favourite albums this way. On the other hand, who knows how many great records I have missed just because I thought the cover sucks?
Given your affinity to good record sleeves, how have you approached the artwork for your own releases? Any key principals or things you’ve kept in mind?
H: John from Iwantdesign was in charge of designing our 3 LPs. The process starts with us brainstorming and giving him a brief, mostly about the vibe and inspirations when we were writing the album. He interprets that in his way and sends us drafts. After a little back and forth of changes, we agree on a final design. We never had a certain cover in mind beforehand and were able to trust John and his artistic vision. Seeing the three vinyl packs next to each other, we could not be happier about the designs.
Padded Cell – Night Must Fall (DC)
M: I absolutely love the cover art that DC recordings had from around 2004 to 2009. This Padded Cell album is just one really nice example from that period, You could take several Emperor Machine, Arcadion or Kelpe covers as well.
Adrian Younge – Something About April
M: Now this record is very retro in several ways, but it’s done with a lot of wonderful attention to detail. I think the sound aesthetics of the music translate perfectly through the visual art here, it’s a beauty to look at. It was one of those records I saw on the shelf, grabbed and bought instantly after listening to just one song.
Rephlex Presents – Music from the BBC Radiophonic Workshop
M: What a great package this is. 4×10” in this simple, yet very appealing design. The single record sides feature the work of different composers. I saw it, I needed to own it.
Express Rising – Express Rising
H: This was a record I pulled from a crate at Revolve Records in Sydney around 2011 because of its artwork. I instantly had the feeling that this is something special. The cover photo suggested this Twin Peaks vibe, that I simply cannot resist. It remains one of my favourite records.
Earth and Fire – Gate to infinity
H: Found this at Qtip records around where I live. There was no way not to buy this, such a gorgeous cover. One tiny section of the track “infinity” which is mindblowing, the rest of the music is not really my thing.
