FUNKSTÖRUNG
APPETITE FOR DISTRUCTION
ALBUM STUDIO K7 RELEASE:
APRIL 24, 2000 REVIEW: JUNE 3, 2000
On last year's excellent remix compilation "Additional Productions", the
German duo Funkstörung seemed to, almost sadistically, enjoy the
deconstruction of what artists like Björk, Wu-Tang Clan and Finitribe once
created. Based on beauty, violence and a lot of playfulness this little
oddity was not only the dawn of a promising band, but also a great
illustration of how relevant the art of remixing has become during the
past few years.
But confronted with members Chris de Luca and Michael Fakesch's first
full-lenght release "Appetite for Disctruction", I really can't say that my
rather high expectations are fully redeemed. To pinpoint these flaws are,
however not an easy task.
Because you still find the wit, the controlled chaos and an advanced
electronical approach, sometimes comparable to some of the better
Warp-acts. Neither can you complain on refreshing vocal efforts, unusual
within this form of techno. Rapper Triple H fuels their already hip
hop-inspired foundation on brilliant tracks like "Sounds Like a
Breakrecord" and "Grammy Winners" and the bluesy vocals of Greenwood takes
"Think!" to thoroughly innovative levels.
No, I think the problem foremost lies in the absence of a core that
uncompromisingly defines the originality of Funkstörung. Boundaries are
vague when they tresspass on other artists territories (mostly Autechre's)
and sometimes even copy parts of their precursor's sound. Still, here is
enough of interesting music to make me
genuinely impressed - but not thoroughly convinced.
