Burger's second album as
the Modernist explores the growing compatibility between '90s house and the experimental slant of German minimalists spearheaded by
Mike Ink (Burger's sometime recording partner). Though the lockstep four-four beats, whipcrack cymbal work, and echoed, dubby effects heard on most of these tracks are reminiscent of
Ink's Studio 1 material, Burger adds a good deal of atmosphere to his productions. Whether it's the contemplative guitar on "Manson Soup," the quasi-vibes lines on "Inspiratio," or the comparatively dense layers of audio bliss on "Eurojah (Immigrant Dub)," Burger allows his tracks a bit more room than most self-conscious experimentalists would, and they blossom in the fresh air. Though the cumulative effect of
Explosion is still rather samey, Burger's talents make him one of the most underrated German electronic producers of his day. [The American release via Matador added three tracks to the European issue, including the Popular Tools singles "Mrs. New Deal" and "Architainment, Pt. 1."] ~ John Bush