ARPANET

Music wise this, (as far as it seems), first Arpanet release shows no shame in displaying Kraftwerk's style as a clear influence and cult like understanding.

With the same "not human" , cold, simplistic (thank gods not Kraftwerk silly) structures, Arpanet takes off to deliver an interesting exercise of Kraftwerk's teachings but using, far from abusing, newer forms of wave sounds more in accordance to the evolution of the synth machines of today. Even the complexity of drum boxes has been carefully stripped down to fit in with those teachings.

I will hardly consider myself a Kraftwerk fan or follower, I liked far more their visual attitude than their music, but as any Progressive Electronic listener I am quiet well aware of their sounds. Arpanet in this release brings on a very true to the bone rendition of those aesthetiques, therefore it does not become a memorable experience for me as to repeat but attractive as such to be at least a good one.

Maybe Kraftwerk's fans will enjoy it as Arpanet did in its detailed making.

***3 PA stars.

Arpnet's a.k.a.Gerald Donald "Inertial Frame", 2006, is a breeze of fresh air as far as prog electronic language concerns.

Blending a mixture between computer algorithms, raw and daring but focused experimentation, contemporary electronic rhythms (dub,lo-fi, etc) , add to that serious splashes of early Italian electronics (1945 like) and top it with detached humor and mechanical tones in its spare lyrics and all playing along through minimalistic compositional structures.

Inevitably comparing Arpnet to some of Brian Eno's works will help somehow to know what kind of trip Arpnet proposes. Eno's "Drawn from Life" with J. Peter Schwalm or "Spinner" with Jah Wobble could be considered close neighbors. Both in this sense are relentlessly unemotional yet eager to sound human.

Conrad Schnitzler will also help as a reference taking into account Arpnet enjoys building repeating and unfriendly cacophonic melodies here and there and of course Kraftwerks' mechanical and industrial impersonality will also serve as a close reference in styling. Well mix all these cold drinks together, shake well and let Arpnet do the rest!

All through its non-stop creativity is a constant, as it offers in each song, new compositional ideas. Therefore every song stands out by itself but also as an essential part of the whole machinery, thus it all feels deeply conceptual.

****4 "cold" PA stars.