- 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.
Lista de títulos01. History of Techno Parts 1 & 2
02. History of Techno Parts 3 & 4
03. She Time Travels In Every Direction Whenever She Wants To