K-X-P - The History Of Techno

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  • As statements of intent go, it's hard to beat calling a record The History Of Techno. A look at the running time of this EP (35 minutes, three tracks) from K-P-X, the maverick Finnish group formed from the ashes of Op:L Bastards, initially panicked me. Were K-X-P actually going to try to make good on the record's title? Thankfully they don't, though should this turn out to be the first in a series of releases charting techno's development, then the title might make more sense. In any case, opener "The History Of Techno Parts 1&2" comes off like an unhinged jam session between Factory Floor and Manuel Göttsching. Primitive-sounding and instinctive, it surges forth on an unending Factory Floor-style bass groove, adding flickering motorik details along the way. It ends up feeling about as focused and tight as a 15-minute proto-techno behemoth reasonably could. "The History Of Techno Parts 3&4" is shorter but a lot more all-over-the-place. Starting as a freeform percussion freakout, it eventually collapses into distortion, tape hiss and strange vocal touches. A hail of bleeps heralds its re-emergence, led by a militaristic snare drum, sundry groans and a croaky vocal loop. "She Time Travels In Every Direction" has the feel of a gentle Krautrock-leaning jam. It's pleasant, but underwhelming following the excesses that precede it. The History Of Techno is sprawling and sometimes bewildering, but generally pretty delightful.
  • Tracklist
      01. History of Techno Parts 1 & 2 02. History of Techno Parts 3 & 4 03. She Time Travels In Every Direction Whenever She Wants To
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