March 2002We all ponder the future from time to time. A column such as this presents artists who suggest where contemporary dance music may be going. This can involve the use of new technology, new fusions of sound, or a unique take on contemporary music altogether. All of these are indicators of what may be next. If this is true then why is it that every time there is any sort of movie with scenes set in the future or near future (i.e., Matrix, Blade etc.), they play music in the "club" scene from artists like Ministry, Marilyn Manson, Korn, or Crowbar? Is this to give us all the reassurance that there will be clubs in the future, but they will be angst-filled dens for serious Goths? Well no matter what the fashion statement may be "in-a-world" of future clubs the power of phat, electronic industrial beats coupled with searing metal guitar and growling vocals cannot be denied or ignored. Maybe we should take Nina Hagen's advice, "future is now." Very few can say that they haven't gotten just a bit weary of the same really well-produced "dance" music being released. Over the last year or so we have seen a resurgence of "ball-sy" elements being championed in dance music again, with the likes of Basement Jaxx, Daft Punk, Dieselboy, and of course, our boys The Chemical Brothers. Have you ever taken your dancefloor to the point where you drop a track from one of these artists but felt as if you could push that one step farther, into the future? KMFDM has responded to that need with their eleventh album, "Attak." Sascha Konietzko formed KMFDM 18 years ago and was a mainstay for the legendary Chicago label, Wax Trax! After a short stint at Universal, Sascha is back on a supportive independent, Metropolis Records, where his vision is not blurred. Previous to this album Metropolis released a CD single (where's the vinyl guys?) from KMFDM, "Boots," a cover of Nancy Sinatra's camp classic "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'." There are three mixes and another gem "Back in the U.S.S.A." The first two mixes are divinely distorted, drum & bass whirlwinds. The second mix lets Lucia Cifarelli (Drill) take a more dominant vocal role giving this mix a 60s duet touch. The "Candy" remix is a hard driving four to the floor version that would be very cozy in a twisted progressive set. To anyone who has followed KMFDM the progressions made in the last album and in "Attak" make perfect sense. The wider variety of rhythm and tone suit the KMFDM sound perfect. The new KMFDM is now somewhat of an "I-rock" super-band with the added talents of Raymond "Pig" Watts, Bill Rieflin (Ministry, REVCO), Joolz Hodgeson (Pig) and Skold. Sascha was elemental in the creation of this genre and "Attak" will surely set new parameters. All eleven tracks are finely crafted and go from the power ballad of "Save Me" to the mosh pit soundtrack of "Sturm & Drang" and "Preach/Pervert." The new band members' contributions give KMFDM a texture that could put them in the forefront where they belong. TIMO MAAS made an immediate and impressive positive impact on the club music scene upon his arrival, not really that long ago. He has maintained that impact by never releasing anything predictable or remixing anything with redundancy. His debut album, "Loud," on Kinetic pays off in a big way; it is neither predictable or redundant. This could not be shown better than by the lead track, "Help Me," which has the unexpected appearance by Virgin r&b songstress Kelis. Mr. Maas obviously wanted to surprise us all. On top of this somewhat unlikely pairing the song is pleasingly weird with its "The-Day-The-Earth-Stood-Still" soundtrack-style base and one of the most bizarre breakdowns you will ever hear. The "funk tastique" first single, "To Get Down," has Fatboy Slim on the remix and Mr. Cook's influence was obvious on the tracks from inception. The funky guitar is fuzzy and beat driven. The forthcoming single is "Shifter" featuring MC Chickaboo on a solid 80s-flavored breaker. Finley Quaye turns in a freak-fest on "Caravan," structured by his agitated guitar work and "lyrical ramblings." This track will make a very interesting single with the right remixes. The remaining ten tracks are equally stunning, including last years "Ubik." Some of the tracks will even deliver what stoic fans expect from this extraordinary artist. RUBEN MANCIAS (djrubenm@earthlink.net) is a legendary San Francisco DJ/Promoter/Producer to keep your eye and ear out for. Mancias' debut release is "Rise" on the Pound Boys label Look At You. Everyone in San Francisco has enjoyed Ruben's mix of progressive vs soul in his live sets notably at his own Club Devotion which has featured the likes of Steve "Silk" Hurley and The Basement Boys. "Rise" is a luscious progressive track with a sexy rubbery baseline and demanding beats. Cheeky sampling from Maya Angelou's "I Rise" (did you know that she used to drive a Muni bus in S.F.?) adds a healthy dose of uplifting soul that puts this astonishing first effort over the top. Send review material to: |