Though the drum programs and effects are clinical and precise in the hallowed tradition of minimal techno,
Rechenzentrum's self-titled debut remains a very warm and engaging record. Similar to electronic recidivists from
Stereolab to
Appliance to
Fridge, Marc Weiser makes sure there's plenty of personality to his productions, and it's clear from the opener "Absent Minded," in which the skeletal beats don't quite overwhelm the gentle synthesizer atmospheres and barely there whisperings from a female vocal. And though the three-part "Da Hilsbach Triptychon" is heavily processed in the modern musique concrète aesthetic, the programming is downright funky and playful. Many of the tracks are variations (albeit heavily tweaked variations) on a steady four-four beat, but there are many great ideas on this collection. By doing to minimal techno what
Mouse on Mars do to its experimental cousin,
Rechenzentrum fashioned an engaging, entertaining first album. ~ John Bush