Over the course of 18 years, Berlin-Duesseldorf trio To Rococo Rot have carved an identifiable niche for themselves, and one which has crossed a variety of styles; neither wholly in the realms of ambient or pure electronics. The late 1990s albums of Veiculo and The Amateur View brought their fundamental and innovative landscapes of sound to the fore, whilst 2001’s collaboration with I-Sound, Music is a Hungry Ghost, showed their ability to blend disparate influences into something cohesive. Remixed by Four Tet and Daniel Miller and heralded by the likes of Modeselektor, their influence extends as far as their unique approach deserves.

Now, following a brand new track last week, they announce a return to Berlin-based label City Slang in 2014 for their first full-length since 2010’s Speculation and their eighth album in total, Instrument. It is to be released on July 21^st and accompanied by a show on the same date at London’s Café Oto.

The music of brothers Robert and Ronald Lippok and Stefan Schneider has always existed in its own world and ‘Instrument’ is a landmark record for the group. The serenely soft melodies of No Wave pioneer Arto Lindsay adorn three tracks, offering up a new perspective.  Though melodies have always been a big part of their sound, the inclusion of a human voice is a distinctive modification.

Today we present the pulsing ‘Many Descriptions’ – a bold opening statement; with Lindsay’s breezy vocals the focal point. Its position in being the opener was a must, Robert Lippok says:“we wanted to make clear that something is different.” The difference this time round is not just noticeable, but also profound. Yet, Instrument is still unmistakably To Rococo Rot; with recognisable complex landscapes of sound and structure that they have practised and made their own.

“I think maybe we’ve come in a way back to where we started. We’ve been through a lot of experimenting, buying new gear, trying this and that with electronic and non-electronic stuff,” says Lippok. Yet Instrument is by no means a regression; the process this time has merely been a vehicle for To Rococo Rot to reaffirm and even advance their relevance and status as one of ambient electronic music’s great innovators.

Instrument tracklist:

1. Many descriptions (featuring Arto Lindsay)
2. Besides
3. Down in the traffic
4. Classify (featuring Arto Lindsay)
5. Baritone
6. Spreading the strings out
7. Pro Model
8. Sunrise
9. Gitter
10. Longest escalator in the world (featuring Arto Lindsay)