Jan St. Werner, one half of the influential German electronic duo Mouse on Mars, has officially announced his upcoming EP, Squares Will Fall. Set for release on November 13, the project boasts an impressive roster of collaborators, including Sufjan Stevens, Bon Iver, Justin Vernon, Ben Lanz of The National, and Zach Condon of Beirut. This ambitious collection of music serves as a testament to St. Werner’s ability to bridge the gap between experimental electronic composition and indie-folk sensibilities.
The project is deeply rooted in a long-gestating creative process. The title track, “Squares Will Fall,” was first conceptualized in 2012 to celebrate a friend’s 30th birthday. What began as a 30-minute electronic composition evolved significantly over the following decade. It eventually served as the foundation for an improvisation session between St. Werner and Justin Vernon during the recording of the Mouse on Mars album Dimensional People at Vernon’s Wisconsin studio.
The collaborative nature of the EP extends to its production. According to reports, Zach Condon contributes trumpet, while Ben Lanz provides trombone work. Justin Vernon takes on lead vocal duties, with additional percussion provided by Kid Millions. The EP also features the track “Flötotto,” which showcases a unique ensemble including Sufjan Stevens on drum machine, alongside contributions from Kid Millions and Ben Lanz.
“Squares Will Fall” has taken many forms over the years, including a 2021 iteration as a multidirectional loudspeaker choreography for the Ural Industrial Biennial. In that version, the composition was split into three independent layers, allowing audience members to wander through the venue and experience the soundscape from shifting perspectives. This experimental approach remains a hallmark of St. Werner’s work, both as a solo artist and within Mouse on Mars, a duo he formed in 1993 alongside Andi Toma.
The EP is rounded out by the track “Swamp Brains,” which features a performance by Rosanne Rubino. With its blend of high-concept electronic experimentation and a star-studded indie lineup, Squares Will Fall promises to be one of the most intriguing releases of the year.
