Paul Ellis – Here is Where

1 review for Paul Ellis – Here is Where

1. 

   Rated 4 out of 5

   Ron Boots – 2025-09-11

   When Paul Ellis releases a new album, devotees of electronic music take notice. His latest offering, Here Is Where, recorded throughout 2024, stands as a testament to both the enduring legacy and the continued evolution of the Berlin School tradition. For those familiar with his oeuvre, this album feels like a refined distillation of Ellis’ deep understanding of sequencer-driven composition, ambient drift, and the art of musical storytelling through sound. Paul’s discography is rich with explorations in ambient and sequencer music, balancing cerebral complexity with accessible beauty. On Here Is Where, Ellis demonstrates a masterful command of the genre’s traditional elements, while also injecting his own unique sensibilities. The album does not merely imitate its influences—it expands upon them, inviting the listener into a world that feels both familiar and daringly new. The sequencer lines are meticulously crafted—interweaving in complex counterpoint, sometimes rhythmically pulsing, sometimes gently undulating, but always in service to the overall atmosphere. These are not static environments; they shimmer, shift, and morph, inviting attentive listening and repeated exploration. Ellis is also attentive to the importance of silence and space. In the more ambient passages, he allows the music to hover at the edge of audibility, encouraging the listener to lean in, to become an active participant in the unfolding soundscape. This use of dynamic contrast is not merely decorative—it is integral to the album’s emotional arc. There is a clear narrative arc to the album; it begins with a sense of anticipation and curiosity, journeys through regions of intensity and mystery, and concludes with a feeling of resolution and return. This structure will be appreciated by both longtime fans of the genre and those encountering Berlin School music for the first time. Technically, Here Is Where is a triumph. The production is pristine, with every layer occupying its own space in the mix. Sequencer lines remain clear and articulate, never muddying the ambient textures; melodic leads float above the soundscape, shining like beacons in the night. Ellis demonstrates a meticulous attention to detail—each sonic element is placed with care, the result of both technical prowess and artistic intuition. Here Is Where is a remarkable achievement—an album that honors the Berlin School tradition while pushing its boundaries in subtle, compelling ways. It is an experience that will delight fans of sequencer music, spacemusic, and anyone in search of a sonic escape. This is an album that stands at the cutting edge of modern electronic music, yet never loses sight of its roots or its sense of wonder. Whether you are a seasoned traveler in the realms of ambient and Berlin School music or a newcomer drawn by curiosity and a thirst for discovery, this album will reward your attention and your imagination. Surrender to its currents and see where it takes you—indeed, here is where the journey begins. As you might guess this album is recommended by Ambient Visions.

   Reviewed by Michael Foster for Ambient Visions