Nils Frahm's best and most popular album is a set of live recordings that emphasize the spontaneous nature of his performances. The mesmerizing "Says" is perhaps the greatest moment in his entire discography, with its Berlin School-style sequencers percolating and blossoming in a truly remarkable outpouring of emotion. "Said and Done" is a stark, minimalist piano piece that gradually becomes more intense and melodic, then gradually calms down to a gentle trickle; "Familiar" continues in this calmer, more intimate direction. While some of the lengthier suites are more hypnotic and immersive, "Improvisation for Coughs and a Cell Phone" is a bit more direct and playful, yet similarly in-the-moment. "Hammers" is rousing and rhythmic, propelled forward in a train-like motion. The beautiful, softly pulsating "Ross's Harmonium" winds the set down. While
Frahm often embraces imperfections so that his music avoids becoming sterile and lifeless, his spontaneity is best captured in performance, making
Spaces the ideal place to start with the prolific artist. ~ Paul Simpson
