Moderat Drops “Reminder,” Debut Single From ‘III’ [LISTEN]

Moderat, the alliance of Berlin-based electronic heavyweights Modeselektor and Apparat, recently announced that the third installment of its electronic pop trilogy titled III is due out April 1 via Mute/Monkeytown. Now, the trio consisting of Sascha Ring, Gernot Bronsert and Sebastian Szary has dropped "Reminder," the debut single from the forthcoming album.

"Reminder" will be officially released alongside an exclusive B-side titled "Fondle" as a digital single bundle on February 19 and on vinyl on February 26, Billboard reports. The track is available to stream now on YouTube and Spotify; listen below.

While giving listeners a first taste of what's to unfold on III, "Reminder" demonstrates the best of Moderat: it finds the trio masterfully fusing the atmospheric elements of Apparat with Modeselektor's hard-hitting approach to IDM. Clearly informed by decades of immersion in the sounds of sub-and-club culture, the track has its share of dark techno moments and bass-heavy elements of dub while remaining, at its core, a modern pop song fit for Berghain.

The tribal drumming combined with Ring's Thom Yorke-esque crooning of haunting lyrics like "all the burning witches light my way" creates a full moon rave or solstice bonfire vibe. Other striking lyrics like "I steal from the beggars' empty plates and give to the fat man/ I dance in the halls of the newly insane" are especially moving when juxtaposed with subtle percussive grooves enveloped by warm synths.

Two different "Reminder" remixes will be released on a 12" due out March 18, Thump reports. The first is by UK bass producer Special Request (AKA Paul Woolford) who harkens back to the days of pirate radio; the second remix is by Berlin's techno titan, Answer Code Request.

The trio is taking its live show on tour throughout Europe and North America in support of the forthcoming album's release with visuals provided by longtime collaborator Pfadfinderei. A press statement explains that while many shows have already sold out, some dates are being moved to larger venues. Tickets and updated information are available on the band's website.