[.ca] Artifakts

From Amazon.com:
In the circuitous notes that accompany this release, Canadian producer Richie Hawtin attempts to explain why Artifakts (BC) should be viewed as his third Plastikman album rather than what is in reality his fourth. Instead of pondering the details, suffice it to say he regards this release as the proper close of a trilogy that started with 1993's Sheet One, continued with 1994's Musik, and got diverted by 1998's Consumed. Musically, it makes perfect sense. Artifakts (BC) picks up on the elementary bass and beat soundscapes that earmarked the debut. Once again, Hawtin strips away any trace of melody or orchestration from his songs, allowing them to form out of the rudimentary rhythm patterns and his own cool indifference. Rarely has such excessive self-indulgence sounded so mesmerizing. --Aidin Vaziri

Plastikman at the top of his game:
Simply put...if you like electronic music that defines a genre...then pick this up. I disagree with a lot of the reviewers on this piece. If you listen to the first three tracks only for eternity...it's worth the price. There are some interesting pieces from tracks 4-7...but they are nothing compared to the conceptual slowmotion groove apocalypse that is set by the first three tracks. Korridor...although beatless...sets up Psyk, an all time speaker crusher which melts into the ultra-chill Packard. \oWhich you must bow to the sheer largesse of instantly.\c Total preludes to the entire "Consumed" Record from a conceptual standpoint. Which I would recommend any interested party pick up as well. Minimalism at it's best. Artifakts B.C. is what good electronic music should be...timeless. \oIn an age where gear upgrades occur on a daily basis and the hybrids of style have already created endless new classifications.\c This one will never be lost. It defines...it delivers. It would do so if it only had the the first 3 tracks. It get's 4 stars based on those tracks alone.

Laid back:
This whole album is nothing but undertones. This album is very quiet (if you listen to it you'll understand). It is not %100 ambient. I wouldn't even know how to describe it because I have heard nothing like it other than his other album, Consumed (although a little louder). I listen to this when I want some background noise, ie sleeping and working. I hope my brief review didn't sound negative, because I do like this album.

• Korridor
• Psyk
• Pakard
• Hypokondriak
• Rekall
• Skizofrenik
• Are Friends Electrik?/Lodgikal Nonsense