label: Urbs country of origin: Germany style(s): Retro lounge, soundtrack, cinematic, nu jazz essential recordings: Toujours Le Meme Film (2005, G-Stone Recordings)

Despite the oft repeated comment that they sound "groovy" many 60's and 70's Euro film soundtracks have an unmistakable air of mystery and melancholy about them. Austrian DJ-composer Paul Nawrata aka Urbs uses these qualities to his advantage on this outstanding instrumental opus, which incidently is the only album of original compositions he has ever released. His particular reference is old French films but Toujours Le Meme Film goes beyond mere homage. The French title translates as "Always The Same Film" and the music's personal, intimate quality suggests a mirror held up to the disappointments of his love life.

The album's arrangements are lean, considered and never overcooked. Urbs uses simply what he needs, nothing more. Hammond organ, harpsichord, electric guitar and steady drums are the dominant sound, alongside occasional flourishes of strings and vocals. Peter Kruder of Kruder & Dorfmeisiter was the project's guiding light. As a co-producer he wisely he nurtures the music's sparseness and understated cool rather than soaking it in the 21st century dub techniques you might expect.

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