Kandis is the working moniker of Jens Massel (also known as Senking and Fumble, from time to time). This collection, Kandis 1996-1999, compiles 13 of the Cologne-based producer's tracks. Each track has an undeniably German bent, as the electronically generated beats and squiggles are machine-like, sterile, and calculated, and contain only a hint of vocals. All of the tracks are representative of Massel's solo nature, as he doesn't overstate his own presence by employing a million and one instruments. He's cool in knowing that he can make do with what he has and that attitude comes across instantly on this release. Massel lets less work mean that much more and time and space become highly valued. Though many of the songs on 1996-1999 are beat driven, a number of them float about atmospherically, bridging the gaps like succinct and swelling interludes. What's rather refreshing about 1996-1999 is that, while thematically and sonically the record shifts in many directions, it maintains a cohesion that is often overlooked on best-of compilations. Needless to say, this task is a little easier to meet when it comes to electronic music, but 1996-1999 succeeds in presenting four years worth of tracks into one complete listening experience.
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