SQUARE MATRIX 003

Another one!

SM001 was OK, the second absolutely amazing, and now trinity is complete. Alfa Matrix label really has its identity fully formed: if you want to enjoy elec-techno-strial (or simply IDM), you know where to find it. All four bands featured on this compilation are signed to this progressive Belgian label (logical,right?), and have been very productive, except Neikka RPM, having no full lenght album to their name yet. Why? That is the question asked first on upcoming interview….

Speaking of Neikka RPM, songs found on SM003 step into different styles than their signature "techno-with-Dominique’s gliding vocoded voice-and dangerous lyrics" music. ‘I Am Your Girl’ still has both vocals and lyrics unchanged, but music is not techno (IDM). Breakbeat! And it works! Well, everything they made so far does. So we’re back to that question about the album…
Alternative reality: Neikka is created, let’s say, 1992-3, and they release ‘I Am Your Girl (d-koy mix)’. Guaranteed stardom! Me, as a progressive teenager then (and tens of thousands of others), having their poster on bedroom wall and their logo on school backpack… MTV, VIVA and VIVA ZWEI… ‘Hot Ibiza Summer ‘95 Compilation’….(LAUGH)...
Now seriously, this is one of the best 100% techno tracks I’ve ever heard! Last two songs of their segment are bit strong on the ear initially, but with superb quality nonetheless. Remixed or pure, Neikka RPM is good, no - very, very good.
Quite opposite music comes from the mind of Claus Kruse. Well, quality of it equals (and surpasses) Neikka RPM’s, but nature is different. It’s like you experience a flood of plastic noise :-) If anyone thinks music of machinery died with Kraftwerk and that no one will ever match their mastery, think again. If you still have any doubts listen to ‘Koma’! Talented crew of Aiboforcen shifted ‘Machinen’ into higher gear and it really rolls. Speaking of gears, people from German auto industry must use ‘Prestigeobject’ in their advertisements! Such track is not to be missed! Absolute excellence!
All of you who, while listening to FLA and Skinny Puppy in 80/90-ies somehow neglected Plastic Noise Experience, this 4-track sample is a reminder how good they were/are. Sharp production, high quality material with standard German precision - no, this is not a line from BMW promo booklets - it’s specification of a band who’s been in electro scene for fifteen years and enters new, even better era. You have to acknowledge the craftsmanship and experience…

…which both Glis and Regenerator don’t have. They might acquire them over the years, but this initial stage is not too promising. Even when their songs went through remixing machinery of masters like Razed In Black and Headscan, the final products still lack quality. Delobbo can use all his innovation in adding speed and flow to Glis’ ‘Letting Go’, but still… Also, Lights Of Euphoria did magic on ‘Organism’ by Regenerator, but they could not change lyrics which are offensive in their crudeness…

The question arises: should bands of great renomé lend their name and skill to projects that lack seriousness? Who benefits from such deals? Record labels, ‘promising acts’? Please compare Glis’ ‘Resolution (album mix)’ and Headscan-treated version, you’ll understand what I’m talking about.
What will ever make people enjoy music that doesn’t have identity, unique sound or idea? That is not for me to answer.

To conclude in more calm fashion, Square Matrix 003 is compilation worth having. Not because it is an amazing release, but because it contains some fantastic tracks which, I am afraid, will not be available anywhere else but there. Look at it from the good side: if you never heard Neikka RPM and P.N.E. (I doubt it), this is a good chance for it.