Two guys from Germany who do what Germans do: Make quirky, involved electronic music. Except that they play instruments and strap the pieces together in studio. So, uh, scratch that. Other than the ingredients, however, this does strongly resemble kinetic krautrock.

Whåzho +- (Gutfeeling Records)

Instrumental pieces that rely as much on rhythm as melody to define themselves. Songs that have a strong propulsive impulse. And little bits of joy (steel drum, for example) sprinkled here and there. Joy? From Germany? Why not?

That last paragraph is me trying to emulate the song structure. It's a really poor simulacrum, but Whåzho's way with music is not normal. These songs may sound normal, but they're anything but. The rampant creativity is restrained just enough to keep each song loosely tethered to rational construction.

Which is to say that this album is constantly ready to disperse. That tension is delicious, and it intensifies as the songs roll along. Quite the brainworm. This set excites mind and the senses. Your shot is ready.

Jon Worley