Every few years, there's talk in Berlin that Moabit could become the next trendy district. But it never happened; no matter how many artists and students pave the way for an environment worthy of gentrification, Moabit remains charmingly unfussy and exciting, nonchalantly combining multiculturalism, down-to-earthness, and the art scene. Marco Ponce Kärgel has his rehearsal space here, where he one day invited Sven Schneider to indulge in a "Moabiter Romanze" (Moabit Romance), an early compositional sketch of the same name, with both of his acoustic guitars. In this basal space, the two discover almost endless stylistic possibilities, so that the arrangements of their original compositions cheerfully explore the transitions between classical and jazz. They throw intertwined rhythms onto clear structures, startling melodies with offbeat tones. Experimental noises meet jazzy harmonies, dynamic breaks, and rock riffs. Two people listen to each other and hurl musical snowballs at each other like two professional jugglers. In nine original compositions, stories, and imaginary soundtracks, the two musicians now tell the story of this turbulent "Moabit Romance" on their debut album as ilimitado.
In true old-school style, after several intense performances, they headed straight to Dietrich Petzold's tonus arcus studio to capture the energy, excitement, and tension in the recordings, recording everything live in one go. In Dietrich Petzold, violinist, composer, and producer, they found the man with the right ear and extensive experience in stripped-down arrangements. There were no overdubs. Just two steel-string guitars and two musicians focused on the essentials—namely, telling their story, listening to each other, and playing together.
The word "ilimitado" comes from Spanish and means "unlimited." It reflects the origins and musical work of the two musicians.
01 Bregoran
02 On active life
03 Wrist can wait
04 The dress of the beautiful Elise
05 The Memory of Water
06 Early Easter
07 The Black Forest lies on the Bosporus
08 Poodle bites
09 Once upon a time hybrid
