Periode release fifth record ‘5’

In the always exciting sphere of experimental music, Periode is an enigmatic project on a mission of continual sonic exploration. Founded in the aftermath of a remix collaboration, this Berlin-based endeavour, spearheaded by Thomas Winkler, weaves a hypnotic tapestry of sound under the guiding hand of Andreas Reihse from Kreidler.

While Winkler’s solo venture initially embraced a guitar-driven new wave style, Periode’s unique output refuses to be boxed into any one genre via their emotive, instrumental compositions and occasional forays into vocal-driven tracks. They first formed back in 2015 when Winkler, fresh from a concert in Berlin, was approached by Reihse for a remix collaboration.

This encounter resulted in “Heat will shift the blame,” marking the inception of Periode’s immersive sonic adventure. The musical chemistry between Winkler’s hypnotic guitar and Reihse’s digital talents forms the foundation of Periode’s distinctive sound, a delicate dance between analogue warmth and crisp digital precision.

In 2019 they unveiled their sound to the world with the debut EP titled 1, followed up by EPs 2 and 3 later that year. 2021 saw them drop 4 and now they return with the latest release and most extensive work to date with their new record titled 5.

Featuring 4 instrumental pieces, 3 vocal-focused tracks and a remix, this eight-track outing captures the latest chapter of this innovative sonic partnership. Recorded and mixed at Barb32 in Berlin, the release opens with the haunting tones and soft spoken word style vocals of “Auerstrasse,” crafting an ambient new age soundscape that softly rises with the rhythm of a shaker and the mellow buzz of synth textures.

“Contigummi” offers more energy with the laid backing groove of snapping beats and shimmering sonic fabric and subtle guitar flutters. It’s a slick exploration of avant-garde instrumental music that begins the stretch of variation that the new record presents.

With “Hair & Make-Up,” Periode collaborated with Mexico-based artist Kathia Rudametkin who co-wrote the music and lyrics while also adding her talents on viola as well as her vocals in both English and Spanish. The soft patter of drums ushers in hushed vocal elements, setting up a hypnotic odyssey that carries you into a distant musical world across its eight enveloping minutes.

Other highlights on the record include songs like “Return Song” with its delicate guitar notes dancing in a playful sea of sonic atmosphere as the rattle of cymbals signals the soft punch of electronic percussion. Serving up another expansive musical adventure, the track creates a mesmeric listening experience with intriguing melodic construction and restrained energy.

The record closes with a remix of the third track titled “Hair & Make-Up (April’s 404 Mix),” taking the original and injecting deep bass and synths over a more robust rhythm to re-imagine the track in a completely new and more club-focused way. Across their new record, Periode once again showcase the depth of their creativity on a release that provides constant twists, turns and surprises throughout while demonstrating their entirely original sound. Catch the release on your favourite streaming platform here.

Listen to 5 below