Mann de Hu is the creative project of Berlin-based musician and multi-instrumentalist Oded Korach. Known for his ability to blend genres and create a sound that’s both fresh and deeply textured, Korach takes on nearly every role within Mann de Hu, from songwriting and composition to playing keyboards, synthesizers, guitar, and vocals. His influences span a wide range, from the brooding sounds of Radiohead and Chemical Brothers to the ambient textures of Helene Vogelsinger, the genre-bending innovation of Beck, and even the harmonies of the Beach Boys. This eclectic musical foundation underpins Mann de Hu’s unique voice. Over the years, Mann de Hu has cultivated a following through intimate listening sessions in Berlin, where he fostered a setting focused on recorded music as a core art form, rather than the traditional live act experience.
Released on October 8th, 2024, “Black Ocean Blue Sky”, Mann de Hu’s latest album, takes listeners on an emotive journey through sonic landscapes that move from shadowy depths to radiant expanses. The album, recorded primarily in Berlin, is a highly personal work that reflects Mann de Hu’s careful attention to the nuances of tone, lyricism, and mood. With collaborations from musicians Omer Yosha and Roi Tsaadi, Mann de Hu deepens the textures within each track, enriching the album’s blend of indie rock and electronic elements.
From the first track, “Black Ocean Blue Sky” immerses the listener in an atmosphere that feels both vast and introspective. The album plays out like a sonic journey, each track carrying a sense of movement between light and dark. Dark and melancholic notes gradually yielding to brighter, more optimistic tones. Mann de Hu’s lyrics add a layer of storytelling that feels intensely personal, yet universally relatable. The themes of solitude, resilience, and self-discovery resonate powerfully, and the music evokes this range of emotion in ways both subtle and grand.
Black Ocean Blue Sky Album Track List:
Intro:
“Intro”, the opening track of “Black Ocean Blue Sky”, sets a profound tone for the album, inviting listeners into what feels like a ceremonial experience. Without any vocal accompaniment, the track relies solely on its instrumental composition to draw the listener in, creating an atmosphere that is meditative and resonant. The absence of lyrics allows the gentle notes and strings to speak directly to the audience, establishing a mood that feels both intimate and immersive—a soft invitation into the world Mann de Hu has crafted. It’s a piece that asks listeners to pause, breathe, and prepare for the musical journey ahead.
The music itself has a subtle, almost ethereal quality. Its soft layers and gentle progression make the track feel as though it’s wrapping around the listener, echoing in a way that lingers long after it ends. This resonating effect gives “Intro” a sense of depth and emotion without needing words; instead, each string and note seems to speak, creating a quiet but powerful opening that hints at the themes of introspection and emotional depth that the rest of the album will explore. There is a feeling of calm that settles in, yet it’s tinged with a kind of anticipation, as if something more complex lies beneath the surface of these tranquil sounds.
One of the most intriguing qualities of “Intro” is its seamless transition into the following track. The fade between tracks is so smooth and organic that it almost feels like one continuous thought. This delicate bridging effect not only enhances the listening experience but also speaks to the album’s cohesiveness; it’s a reminder that “Black Ocean Blue Sky” is a complete, interconnected work, not just a collection of individual songs. “Intro” successfully opens the door to this experience, setting a thoughtful, gentle tone that carries through and builds as the album progresses.
Black Ocean:
“Black Ocean”, the fourth track on “Black Ocean Blue Sky”, brings a haunting and textured soundscape that draws listeners deeper into the album’s narrative. This instrumental track is built around a steady, hypnotic arpeggiator pattern that serves as the track’s backbone, grounding the listener while other elements glide in and out. The track begins subtly, with a restrained opening that gradually builds in intensity, creating a sense of anticipation. This gentle progression, soon joined by a distinct, tingly sound, sets the mood with an atmospheric quality that feels both sad and expansive, pulling the listener into its melancholic world.
The unique combination of instrumentation in “Black Ocean” is what truly sets it apart. A distorted guitar, played with a bow, adds an eerie yet evocative tone, resonating in a way that feels almost otherworldly. The use of bells, which morph into a deeply sorrowful synth, introduces another layer of complexity and emotion, underscoring the track’s darkly immersive quality. Together, these elements intertwine and evolve as the track progresses, creating a fascinating contrast between the delicate, tingly sounds and the dense, more intense layers underneath. The result is a compelling auditory experience that feels both intimate and cinematic.
As “Black Ocean” reaches its peak, the track becomes a richly layered soundscape where each element merges seamlessly, filling the atmosphere with a powerful, almost tangible energy. The various textures and tones glide and blend together in a way that feels effortless, yet deeply intentional. This instrumental piece carries an emotional weight that resonates long after the final notes fade, offering a moment of introspective stillness within the broader arc of the album. The immersive quality of “Black Ocean” makes it an unforgettable track, one that commands attention and rewards careful listening with its intricate and hauntingly beautiful composition.
We Could Miss It All
“We Could Miss It All,” the fifth track on “Black Ocean Blue Sky”, marks a heartfelt turning point in the album, ushering in a brighter, more optimistic tone. The track begins with the gentle sounds of a baby babbling—a symbolic, tender nod to the fleeting moments of childhood that inevitably become memories. This nostalgic touch sets the stage for a reflection on time and presence, as Dori Korach, Oded Korach’s daughter, takes the lead with a vocal performance that is both tender and introspective. Her voice carries a touching emotional quality as she sings about the passing of moments and the delicate balance of appreciating the present.
As the song unfolds, Dori’s vocals are complemented by a steady, supportive beat and a melody that feels warm and nostalgic, like the memory of a long-cherished moment. The backing vocals, provided by Yotam Korach, Oded’s son, join in on the chorus, adding a familial resonance that deepens the song’s message. Together, Dori and Yotam create harmonies that are soft but impactful, highlighting the song’s exploration of time, memory, and living in the now. The baby sounds from the intro weave subtly in and out of the track, creating a beautiful contrast between innocence and reflection, between past and present. This layering evokes the bittersweet awareness that time is fleeting, grounding the track’s optimistic tone in a sense of life’s impermanence.
The family collaboration on “We Could Miss It All” gives the track an irreplaceable sense of intimacy and authenticity. Beyond its nostalgic melody and introspective lyrics, this song becomes a kind of family time capsule—a recorded memory that captures not just the theme of appreciating the present, but also the very essence of family and shared moments. The use of archived sounds from home videos adds a layer of nostalgia and serves as a gentle reminder that even this recording will someday become a memory to look back on. The track stands as a beautifully crafted piece that is both personal and universal, inviting listeners to reflect on their own lives and appreciate the preciousness of each moment.
In A Parallel Universe:
“In A Parallel Universe”, the closing track of “Black Ocean Blue Sky”, brings the album full circle with a thought-provoking and emotional conclusion. This track acts as a mirror to “The Wrong Party,” taking the party sequence from the album’s beginning and imagining it in an alternate reality, one unshadowed by tragedy. Here, Mann de Hu reimagines the scene as one of pure, unbroken joy, where Liraz continues dancing with a new love. This re-envisioned narrative, set in a parallel universe, lends the track a bittersweet poignancy that is both uplifting and reflective, inviting listeners to imagine a hopeful reality where pain is rewritten.
The track opens with a gentle melody that establishes a calm, almost dreamlike atmosphere before a strong, pulsing rhythm kicks in. This beat, crafted by Omer Yosha, provides a grounding rhythm that adds a sense of movement and vitality, contrasting beautifully with the softer tones of the opening. As these layers build, they create a compelling blend of light and heavy sounds, capturing the spirit of a carefree, uninterrupted moment. The juxtaposition of melody and rhythm makes the track feel alive, as if the music itself is breathing and pulsing with the energy of a dance floor unburdened by sorrow.
As “In A Parallel Universe” reaches its peak, the music becomes fully immersive, filling the air with an atmosphere of peace and release. It’s a track that feels freeing, encouraging the listener to surrender to its rhythm, to let go, and to imagine a world without the interruptions of tragedy. The rhythmic intensity and layered sounds create a sense of liberation, a cathartic escape into a world where joy is continuous and unhindered. This final track offers a powerful ending to the album, one that leaves listeners not only with a sense of closure but also with a bittersweet reminder of the possibilities that lie within the alternate paths our lives might take.
Musically, the album captures influences that are easily traced but uniquely blended. Tracks flow seamlessly into each other, each adding its own shade to the album’s rich tapestry. Each of the album’s ten tracks stands out as a crafted, unique piece. With sounds that linger, “Black Ocean Blue Sky” feels like a work that rewards repeated listening, as new details reveal themselves with each play. The album’s narrative arc mirrors the album’s title and speaks to the range of emotions Mann de Hu intends to explore.
In essence, “Black Ocean Blue Sky” is a deeply personal record, emblematic of Mann de Hu’s artistic maturity. It’s an album that not only marks a milestone for Mann de Hu but also holds the potential to captivate a broader audience, inviting listeners to reflect, feel, and connect. Fans of indie rock, electronica, and music that tells a story will find much to admire in Mann de Hu’s latest release.
For more information about Mann de Hu, click on the icons below.
