The Torino Scale is the debut solo album from Berlin-based producer and Supersoul Recordings head Xaver von Treyer, aka Xaver Naudascher. The result is astral pop music that swirls around the idea of beginnings, ends and aggregate states, while staying true to the known Supersoul sound -- strong connections to dance music (Krautrock, Italo, Chicago and Detroit) without being nostalgic or exclusive to one style. Every track has a strong identity of its own, showcasing the artist's personal take on modern pop music, ranging from psychedelic pop to acid via ambient cinematic themes. The album was recorded and mixed in three stages in Berlin, the second half in wooded seclusion just outside the city center. In keeping with the overall theme, characters are introduced and whisked away with regularity, an eclectic blend drawn from all corners of the globe. Arthur Hornig, the first cellist for the Deutsche Staatoper, contributes to two tracks, while Wolfram (aka Diskokaine) provided vocal snippets for the intricate grooves of "Love Is A Drum" from his hotel room and Jayney Klimek (a friend from the Terranova era) completes the mantra. London-based folk-singer Nana Kay adds layers of heightened sensuality with her vocal contribution to the skulking "We Are Alien." A collaborator with Xaver for over a decade, Japanese singer Yuko Matsuyama covers the whistle-led skittering pop of "Lunar Rover" in sultry poise. The most significant contribution, however, comes from Marek Polewski, creative director at Supersoul Recordings, with his input into the visual accompaniment for the album. Images in motion form the conceptual basis, the underlying principle being a fine balance struck between the images and sounds -- no hierarchy.