Round Three

Round One to Round Five is a series of collaborative projects by Berlin-based producers Moritz von Oswald and Mark Ernestus, released between 1993 and 1999 on their Main Street Records label. These works represent a pivotal exploration of the intersection between deep house, dub, and techno, distinct from their more minimalistic and dub techno endeavors under aliases like Basic Channel and Rhythm & Sound.

The series commenced with Round One: I’m Your Brother, featuring vocals by British singer Andy Caine. This track pays homage to classic Chicago house, characterized by soulful vocals and a warm, inviting groove. Subsequent releases, Round Two: New Day and Round Three: Acting Crazy, continued this trajectory, blending emotive vocals with dub-inflected rhythms. Notably, Round Three introduced collaborations with Paul St. Hilaire (formerly known as Tikiman), whose contributions added a distinctive depth to the duo’s evolving sound.

Round Four: Find a Way and Round Five: Na Fe Throw It further integrated dub elements, showcasing a maturation of their style that seamlessly fused the rhythmic structures of house with the spatial dynamics of dub. These later works are marked by their meditative qualities and intricate production techniques, reflecting the duo’s continuous innovation within the electronic music landscape.

In 1999, the compilation Round One to Round Five: 1993-99 was released, encapsulating the evolution of this series. This collection not only highlights the duo’s versatility but also their ability to transcend genre boundaries, creating a body of work that is both timeless and influential. Through these projects, von Oswald and Ernestus have left an indelible mark on the fabric of electronic music, bridging the gap between the dancefloor and the introspective spaces of dub.