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Bochum Welt: Module 2
[Equipment Requirements]
(this album has been recorded in
full color )
[vicman]
Rephlex
CAT 042 CD
[Module 2 Game Graphics Screen Shot]
Tracks
5:03 153 Avtomaticesk
3:45 136 Radiopropulsive
2:45 107 Paph
2:57 109 Lunakhod
3:21 145 Asteroids Over Berlin
2:59 139 B2
2:41 127 Mechanique
2:41 133 That's Mutuality
[vic 20 keyboard]
I've been anxiously awaiting the release of Gianluigi Di Costanzo's first
full length 4K EEPROM module since Teep turned me on to Le Silence Du Temps
by way of Pocket Bass. Bochum Welt drops the tunes that the peeps on
American Bandstand would be playing Rate A Record to if Dick Clark were
Florian Schneider, Philadelphia were Zurich, and yesterday was today.
Surprisingly simple, yet incredibly hooky, Di Costanzo makes tunes like
Frank Lloyd Wright made buildings: straight lines, rhythmic flow, and
simple repetition of instantly familiar elements. Sure, the passing
references to staples such as Rephlex, Kraftwerk and Drexciya are numerous
and non-subtle, but it's the combination of these pieces that makes this
Module have such a great playability factor.
At over 5:00 and 150+, Avtomaticesk is the longest and noisiest track, and
a surpriser for an opener. Banging beats and blazing beeps herald in the
Rephlex coat of arms like scuds over Baghdad. Background textures of
dissonant horns and ambient wash keep this one off balance.
Radiopropulsive is just that, with a swinging watch, back and forth bleep
beat, and a prancing Pulsewidth-style synth line. Simple as can be, but a
groover; I dare you not to head bob.
A bottom heavy 808 beat and vintage Human League stylee pads bring Paph on
the scene. Add a squiggly funky figure, some in the womb percussion, and
moist ambient waves of grain, and that's all there is to it. Shake well and
serve over ice.
Lunakhod is a mournful traditional spiritual from the hard labor detail at
the Techno concentration camp. A filter snip for a crack of the whip, and
the by now patented Bochum Welt 4-count harmonichords make this one somehow
simultaneously depressing and uplifting. After all, we must remember that
the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.
Aspartame bubble gum pop for the pierced generation, Asteroids Over Berlin
will make the Man-Machine in you dig out your 1982 Depeche Mode Speak and
Spell wax for a mix-down. This one is the track voted most likely to
succeed, and it makes a great backdrop for your favorite cheerleading
routine or submarine race.
B2 is punchy popcorn and hand claps, with the sound of sparks arcing as
percussion. Upbeat, fun and bouncy -- good to the last drop.
Mechanique is French for Metal Thing #3. Crunchy Paradinas distorto-cussion
and spooky Hitchcock glockenspiel remind you that it's not safe to go
totally warm and fuzzy yet, Di Costanzo can still mess with you if he feels
like it.
The clean up hitter, That's Mutuality , brings up an image of a late night
summer drive, with moonroof down and the Renaissance Center in the
rearview. An almost Model 500 feel, until vocoderized clues whispering
"Here's Aphex - That's Mutuality" fill my head with contorted grassy
cyber-knoll anonymous remailer anagram conspiracy theories.
This disc has instant appeal and playing staying power. Please get it
before Gianluigi buys a tank.
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September 1996. all rights reserved, all wrongs reversed.
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