Morph Stereo : Here We Are

Keith Canisius returns once again as Morph Stereo for another round of hazy, ambient modular cosmic trips. This time with the 3-song EP Here we are. A blend of Krautrock and early 80s experimental electronic music, Canisius blends all of of the vibes of his other musical projects(Rumskib/Astral TV/Shortwave Broadcaster) into one immersive experience as Morph Stereo.

On Here we are the songs feel on the cusp of almost pop territory. There’s a lightness and buoyancy with these three short tracks that begs your ears for repeated listens. Touches of Wang Chung and Talk Talk are interspersed with the Cluster and Klaus Schulze vibes, giving the proceedings earworm qualities while still feeling the headiness of space, time, and the vastness of infinity.

Opener and title track “Here We Are” has the bright open vibes of some mid-80s radio ready track. I recently revisited William Friedkin’s masterpiece To Live And Die In L.A. and I’m reminded of Wang Chung’s brilliant soundtrack listening to this amazing song. You could almost here Jack Hues singing over the music. “Join wave” gets a little headier, but there’s still a catchy melody in there inviting you in for long term residency. Exquisite cosmic touches bring Canisius’ project Astral TV to mind, the heavy synth duo with Causa Sui/Aerosol member Rasmus Rasmussen.

Closing out the EP is “1984”, a track I thought might start out sounding like Van Halen’s “Jump”. Instead it opens on wah-wah guitar, hazy electronics, and an ethereal mood. At just over 2 minutes you end up wanting it to last another 2 minutes and live in this song’s atmosphere as long as you can.

Here we are is short at just under 10 minutes, but it holds your attention the entire 10 minutes. Hazy, melody-driven, and vast in its soundscapes, Morph Stereo once again gives us beautifully constructed electronic music that is perfect for a long car ride, a sunset score for a summer night, or music for deep contemplation. Let’s hope Keith
Canisius is planning a full-length at some point. The music of Morph Stereo begs to be heard as a long player. Until then we have the previous singles, and of course, Here we are.