- They may sound like characters out of a comic book, and accordingly they make music that would soundtrack a caper quite well. A caper in space, specifically. As its title suggests, Professor Genius and Speculator's 12-inch release is an electronic update on Kraut rock with the live drumming of someone like Klaus Dinger done up by trusty drum machines. Speculator's lone solo effort here opens proceedings. "Lucky" is spacious and welcoming, a track whose searching melody provides much of the action. It's the same line that's taken up in Genius and Speculator's "Motorik." The tune pumps at a healthy clip, faster than Dinger could ever reasonably have operated at, while various whirring, blooping and beeping frantically takes place around it in ever-increasing number. (It may just be the most exhausting trip down the aural Autobahn, you'll ever take.)
Genius turns up solo on the flip with his trademark wavering analogue kit. "Heaven Sent" is filled with the sort of sounds that you could label cheesy if you weren't being careful. Plone and Plaid's early work are easy reference points. So is Jean-Jacques Perrey. Two more collaborative tracks close out the release: "Jive" is the wonkiest of the batch. It's slightly awkward riff is frustrating to these ears—especially considering how much Genius and Speculator drive it home throughout—but it's also clearly the most original of the tunes on offer. It sounds like at least five machines are simply left looping while the duo left the room. Not so with "Float," which is a lovely comedown from the previous track's maniacal pace. It's soft beat and tender melody should end (or begin) plenty of mixes to come.
TracklistA1 Speculator - Lucky
A2 Professor Genius & Speculator - Motorik
B1 Professor Genius - Heaven Sent
B2 Professor Genius & Speculator - Jive
B3 Professor Genius & Speculator - Float