- Minimal fans, and particularly aficionados of Villalobos, Pole, Minus and Sleeparchive would do well to check out the new album by Raster Noton supergroup Signal, composed of Olaf Bender, Frank Bretschneider and Carsten Nicolai. ‘Robotron’ is the group's second full length on the German art-electronica label and it's an absolute gem of percussive tensions and psychedelic subtlety.
Perhaps it's not literal dancefloor material, but if you play this back to back with, say, Sleeparchive’s 'Hospital Tracks', you will barely notice the difference. One added bonus is that the eleven tracks blend so seamlessly together that its almost like a mix album, despite the fact that it is essentially a collection of various live and studio improvisations recorded across the globe between 2001 and 2006. There is a real sense of perpetual evolution and coiled tightness to the pulsating rhythmic programming, while the subtle sheets of noise that fill the vast void behind the beats compete against the rhythm and their own sonic purity for a higher state of energy. The album is thus a constant flux of tension and release.
Overall, there’s not a dull moment to be found for the 50-odd minute duration, and what's more it sounds all the better if you can take it all in in one sitting. 'Robotron' is both startling and a little wild. Highly recommended for those who want a little bit more adventure with a twist of art, all encased in lovely packaging.
Tracklist1 Intro (Monsator)
2 Ermafa
3 Naplafa
4 Robotron
5 Malimo
6 Wismut
7 Rawema
8 Datasette
9 Sporett
10 Epirex Motor
11 Wismut (Version)