The Triad is the latest release from Hendrik Weber (aka Pantha du Prince), a German Minimal Techno/House producer and composer and installation artist. In the crowded electronic music space, Pantha du Prince has carved a unique sound of ethereal, melodic, and acoustic elements, field recordings, and psychedelic dream pop that I suspect has had influence on the Detroit techno scene, as well as artists like Depeche Mode, Ullrich Schnauss, Jon Hopkins, and Amon Tobin. These are all artists who have made their way into my yoga class playlists!
On this album, Pantha du Prince says he wanted, “To give a space for this very direct, human appearance, which is also a liberating thing.” He lends his gentle vocals to much of the album which allows us to hear his personal voice, rather than being overwhelmed in technology. The album was recorded at a studio immersed in the natural surroundings of Germany where he stocked a treasure trove of vintage synths and gear. Pantha also says, “I wanted to cut through the digital dust that surrounds us.” There’s no particular hook or drop in any song here, so you can lose yourself in the sound.
My favorite tracks include “Lichterschaus,” with its edgy groove, featuring trance-like bells that dominate and create a magical soundscape. “Dream Yourself Awake” playfully turns a house loop upside down and inside out; “Lions Love” has a droning foundation underneath the beat, topped by a dark synth layer.
Experiencing this album is like twirling inside a wind-up, electro music box full of hypnotic, candy-sweet sound. Panther du Prince has a regular yoga practice, which is reflected in a gentle, intimate joy and sense of balance in his music. Pantha plans some live festival dates with delicious visuals. I’ve set my radar on high alert for live show announcements.
Visit Rough Trade Records for more information on Pantha du Prince’s The Triad.
McKenna caught the “yoga bug” as a little girl, watching Lilias Folan on PBS. She leads an active life hiking, running, sometimes snowboarding, and once was a nationally-ranked equestrian. After years of working in the digital industry for clients in entertainment, publishing and fashion, she took a sabbatical to acquire her yoga teacher certification. A desire to help people heal soon followed. Also a successful musician and composer, McKenna shares cutting-edge music during yoga classes, recruiting musicians and DJs to perform with her. She owned and operated East Hollywood’s Chakra 5 Yoga studio throughout 2011, creating a vibrant community on and offline, but decided to shift to a mobile model. Now Chakra 5 brings yoga classes on site and by appointment to businesses, schools and organizations throughout greater Los Angeles. McKenna was certified in Hatha/Kundalini at Karuna Yoga, and has additional teacher training in Restorative Yoga with Master Teacher Judith Lasater. She teaches yoga at Chakra 5 classes and international retreats.