CONRAD SCHNITZLER AND PYROLATOR

Con-struct is an exploratory series of curated electronica that invites current innovators to reinterpret past masters' key works. The subject of this one from Pyrolator, aka Kurt Dahlke, is conceptual composer and Beuys student Conrad Schnitzler whose introduction to the genre was as a member of Tangerine Dream and Kluster. From the early '70s onwards, Schnitzler then proceeded to enter into a prolific solo career racking up over fifty albums - plenty of choice therefore for Dahlke to choose from.

Unlike typical curations, Pyrolator and label boss Jens Struver have chosen to compose new material using original sources drawn from Schnitzler's expansive archive. The results are as contemporary as more recent hip techno playmakers such as Lakker and Drexciya with a couple of tracks almost mistakable for Detroit producers Kenny Larkin or Juan Atkins or anything on Berlin's Tresor label. Check 296-16 or 289-5 for proof.

Elsewhere, huge swathes of layered synths and abstract beats translate into a fairly intense but beautiful body of work that slips into a gap between the dance-floor and the armchair.

This review also appeared also on Flipside Reviews.

Paul PLEDGER
25/07/2015