In 1812 Percy Shelley wrote The Devil’s Walk in vehement opposition to the spiralling grain prices, and incessant warfare that plagued Britain. In 2011, Berlin-based shoegaze-soundscaper Sascha Ring in his Apparat alias presents something of the same name, but rather different.

The album is simply gorgeous. Whilst the listener seeking something brash, spangled and altogether striking may feel underwhelmed, for the connoisseur of quieter things Apparat creates ambient shoegaze at its very best: pulsating and delicate dreamscapes that wash over you in waves, rich with pulsating chords, rumoured with handclaps, erupting into glorious orchestral moments, infused with choirs and tinkling ivories. Each track feels painstakingly handcrafted and deeply considered – the production is little short of genius.

The Devil’s Walk is not exclusively instrumental, and when Ring’s warm voice unexpectedly cracks into life, it’s a real pleasure. Lyrics are simple and poignant; breathy melancholic dirges painting vivid images – the description of the city in "Escape" is beautifully put. Anja Plaschg also makes a brief but majestic appearance on the darkly sincere and resonating "Goodbye".

Yet the most intriguing addition to this spacious and skiffling record are the rare moments where Apparat’s roots in techno music become apparent. "Song of Los" is perhaps the most commercial of the tracks, an off-kilter dub track that builds and bubbles with real intent. "Ash/Black Veil" is similarly encapsulating, a gentle beat with crooning vocals which warps into something undeniably danceable.

In equal parts a headphone experience for rainy days and a kaleidoscopic soundtrack to a hazy night, The Devil’s Walk is magnificently immersive, a must for techno-heads, dub-kids and dreamers.

[4/5]