review: Reduce by Max Andrzejewski's Hütte (2023)

On their latest release Reduce, Max Andrzejewski’s HÜTTE generate expansive scenes with minimalist leanings. The German band made up of Andrzejewski on drums and composition, Johannes Schleiermacher on saxophone, Tobias Hoffmann on guitar and Andreas Lang on bass all work across lots of diverse projects, but come together on this record to showcase a deep ensemble language developed over many years of working together. Crystalline lines folding down into beautiful open resonances greet us on the opener “Fleißen”, foreshadowing much of what is to come for the album; intricacy, stillness, and a probing melodic quality tempered by harmonic warmth.

Although the music on Reduce projects a slow-moving veneer, operating a level below are strong currents of energy and activity. On “Risse” we hear this in action; chiming chords from both acoustic and electric guitars pan around the texture, providing a bed for the band to present a questioning melody that eventually gives way to some high velocity, free leaning group improvisation. This is music that blends contrasting material to arrive at a singular result – minimal grooves underpinning intricate melodic passages, and slow-paced harmonic loops sitting atop fast-moving free textures.

As a drummer and composer, Andrzejewski brings a deep knowledge of many styles and genres to the table: we can hear the jazz tradition, various free styles, shades of experimental pop, and aspects of 20th Century classical composition all at play. Max has emerged as a native speaker to the post Jim Black world of drumming, across many traditions but doing so in a 2020s context: a beautiful sound at the kit, sparse free grooves and explosive dynamic passages all feature. Speaking to the record on Bandcamp, Andrzejewski provides some context for the music stating that the album title Reduce refers to a few ideas, one being the need to “reflect on where we can limit ourselves a little in view of the impending climate collapse”. In the paired back composition and playing style across the record, parallels to this call for reflection ring true, there is also a gravity to the music that aligns with such big themes all over the album.

Each HÜTTE member brings much to the table. With an approach sitting alongside players such as Bill Frisell and Marc Ribot, the guitar playing of Hoffmann provides the framework for much of what goes on, bringing warm-toned folkloric language and uniquely lithe lead playing to the music. Schleiermacher presents a beautiful Berlin horn language, combining delicate and breathy melodic material with rapid passages that weave inside and out, whilst the interaction between Lang and the ensemble provides some of the album’s best moments - the interplay between bass and band on “Gemini” is a particular highlight. Special mention must also be made of the recording/production team of Tobias Ober on engineering, Daniel Feitag on mixing and Martin Ruch on the master as the album sounds amazing, the combination of in-room intimacy blended with post-production depth and warmth serve the music incredibly well.

In asking the listener to consider consumption and climate, HÜTTE have provided us with a beautiful listening experience on Reduce, one that weaves stillness, warmth and energy. Despite the thematic seriousness there is much optimism to be found here - there is a moment on the track “Lylan 1” where a sung melody appears sitting just atop the texture that brings together much of what is important about this record: a quiet melancholy, but one full of vibrancy, energy and hope. Highly recommend checking out this record.   

- review by paul simmons

Reduce by Max Andrzejewski’s HÜTTE

RELEASED: 2023

LABEL: Independant

STREAM: Spotify / Apple Music

Purchase and support Max Andrzejewski’s HÜTTE on Bandcamp:

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