There's something to be said for an artist who takes their time honing their craft before unveiling it to the world. While Sarah Wreath has been steadily revealing her sonic vision over the years through live sets, sound baths, and DJ mixes, she has never released any original tracks—until now. We are proud to present her debut LP, "Integration."
After years spent solidifying her sonic identity, completing a degree in sound engineering, engaging in therapeutic sound practices, and playing psychedelic techno sets across Europe, Wreath has crafted a stunning collection of tracks that showcase the maturity of an artist well beyond her years. Hovering around the 90 bpm range, the LP merges psychedelic synth work with sludgy techno mechanics, creating a sound that is as deep and atmospheric as it is hypnotic. Complemented by two chugging remixes from Function and Patrick Russell, the LP transports the listener from the serenity of a moonlit sound bath to the depths of a steamy forest dance floor. As Wreath herself puts it, "I wanted to continue exploring the acoustic depth that emerges with slower tempos, polyrhythmic percussion, and deep atmospheres."
The track titles tell a story drawn from spirituality, alchemy, and nature. For instance, "Annatta" explores the Buddhist concept of non-self, while "Pando" represents oneness and connection through the ancient clonal colony of aspen trees. The title track, "Integration," reflects the process of incorporating transformative experiences into everyday life. As Sarah explains, "These titles encapsulate the essence of my creative process, each one a testament to the various influences and ideas that have shaped this musical journey."
The LP also honors the importance of collaboration and connection in Sarah’s practice. A significant connection is her membership in the Sandwell District collective. In 2023, David Sumner, aka Function, played the tracks that would eventually become "Integration" for Regis after they reunited for a Sandwell District gig in Japan. Shortly thereafter, the pair invited Sarah to join the collective—a crew whose music has always been near and dear to our hearts at The Bunker. Continuing in the tradition of these musical stalwarts, Sarah has blessed The Bunker and the wider techno world with a superb debut LP.
Among Sarah's key influences is Function, her friend and mentor, whose signature hypnotic sound has profoundly impacted the global techno scene. His 2007 Sandwell District EP, "Isolation," was a game-changer, introducing a dark, brain-dance minimalism that inspired countless artists. His remix of "Mala" on this LP captures that same energy, twisting and time-warping the synths into a captivating new form. For Sarah, having Function’s contribution on this LP completes a vital creative arc, linking her work with the Sandwell District collective to her emerging role within Sumner’s storied New York label, Infrastructure.
Further cementing the New York connection is The Bunker’s Patrick Russell, who delivers a gnarly remix of Sarah’s closing track, "Pando." In his remix, Patrick distills the raw components of the original into a slow-crawling 808 workout, swapping soaring atmospherics for a menacing bassline and gritty vocal chops. It's the perfect punctuation mark to an LP that sits comfortably between Brooklyn and Berlin, hitting that sweet spot of dark, technoid psychedelia.
Mastered by Neel at Enisslab
Artwork by Andrew Charles Edman
Liner Notes by Zoey Shopmaker
