Sprung is
Andrew Duke's first album released outside of his home label, Cognition Audioworks (seven full-lengths between 1993 and 2001). It introduces a skilled sound assembler in the IDM/minimal techno vein. Filled with clicks & cuts but not cold and bouncy and not one-track minded,
Duke's music compares well to that of
Pan Sonic,
Thomas Brinkmann,
Komet, or a less-sleek
Autechre, yet it has a subtle personal flavor. There is much variety among the 11 pieces, from power techno to more abstract sound constructions, but the beat prevails, ominous or suggested. "Chromosome 20" may not be the most dancefloor-friendly of these tracks, but it stands out as the most disturbing. Its clicking beat track is underpinned by haunting, cavernous sounds and airborne swooshes. Those who prefer something more immediately palatable can turn to "Hell Yeah!," a straightforward techno track, very '80s -- at a distance.
Duke is a precise producer. Everything falls squarely into place. Strangely, this quality occasionally works against him, as it gives the music a clinical feel. He makes his best work when he lets things get a little sloppy or spin slightly out of control ("Pharmakoi," "Chromosome 20," "Felt NN"). It seems that
Sprung is meant to give an idea of
Duke's range of interests. ~ François Couture