Paul Kalkbrenner has just released Ninety-Two, the first single from his eagerly anticipated new album The Essence, which is set to drop on October 10 via Sony Music. This marks his first LP in seven years, and Ninety-Two offers a clear glimpse of what fans can expect: a hypnotic, steady 130 BPM techno track built around a vocal sample pulled straight from classic UK rave compilations of the early ‘90s. But this isn’t just a trip down memory lane. According to Paul, the track imagines what the rave scene might sound like if it had never stopped evolving since 1992, creating a ‘what if’ scenario that feels both fresh and timeless.
The single has already become a highlight of his live performances, with its stripped-back, almost instrumental style and a groove that manages to feel both nostalgic and forward-thinking. It’s a perfect introduction to The Essence, a twelve-track album Paul has worked on over several years in an apartment full of vintage charm. Even though he had mostly moved away from making albums, Paul realised how satisfying it was to bring together a collection of songs with a cohesive vibe. He confidently calls The Essence his best work yet, with no filler moments, just pure and essential sound.
Kalkbrenner needs no introduction. A true icon of Berlin’s techno scene and beyond, he has been shaping electronic music for over two decades with his unmistakable live-driven sound. From Berlin Calling to festival main stages and massive shows like the Berlin Wall anniversary, Paul’s influence runs deep, and with The Essence, he’s adding another essential chapter to his legacy. Not only does he revisit the past on Ninety-Two, but he also pushes the rave sound forward, proving once again why he remains one of the most vital and authentic voices in electronic music.