With “Columbiformes EP”, Rawax once again makes space for Matthias Schildger to channel his many musical personas into one cohesive yet versatile release. Known under aliases like Star_Dub, Binary Operator, Polyfan Polyphenix, CNTRL, or simply M.S., Schildger uses his decades of experience to deliver five tracks that balance minimal precision with atmospheric playfulness.
“Pigeon Swarm (Vinyl Edit)” sets the tone with stripped-back minimal energy that harks back to the golden days of the genre. Percussive and bouncy, its groove feels both light and infectious, while a deep synth-line quietly fills the background, giving the track the depth it needs to stay locked on the floor. It’s minimal music at its grooviest and most timeless.
“Columbiformes” shifts gears into something darker and heavier. Built around a wobbling synth-line and a massive, almost physical bassline, the track still keeps its stripped-back character, but its energy is undeniable. Playful in details yet menacing in presence, it’s the kind of cut that shackles dancers to the groove without offering much of a way out.
“Breakin’ Doves” opens the B-side with a deep and breakbeat-driven mood, carrying that late-night atmosphere Matthias crafts so well. A subtle sense of melancholy runs beneath the breaks and grooves, creating a track that feels like the soundtrack to a dancefloor lost in time – irresistible, driving, but wrapped in a kind of nocturnal haze.
“Bird Hypnotizm” rounds off the vinyl edition with trippy textures and atmospheric spirals. The track is playful yet entrancing, layering Matthias’ sound design into an environment that feels otherworldly but never loses its dancefloor focus. It’s hypnotic, subtle, and perfectly suited as a closer.
The digital-only track, “A Song For Feral Pigeons,” is perhaps the EP’s secret weapon. Lean and minimal, but with a deep groove that keeps listeners moving, it’s a reminder of Matthias’ ability to create understated yet captivating pieces. Its combination of groove and texture makes it a fitting companion to the vinyl cuts and ensures the “Columbiformes EP” ends on a note that is as functional as it is thoughtful.
Altogether, “Columbiformes EP” is Matthias Schildger at his most versatile – merging minimal grooves, breakbeat flourishes, and atmospheric soundscapes into a release that feels both classic and forward-looking. It’s a record that honors minimal’s past while continuing to evolve it, much like the restless flight of the birds that inspired it.
Words by Holger Breuer
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