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Kinetik are probably best remembered for their two Elektrofest appearances when they turned the stage into something resembling NASA Mission Control! Their Kraftwerk-influenced brand of synthpop made a definate impression on those two occasions but since then it might seem as if Colin Jordan, ShirleyAnn Davies & Andrew Slegt have gone into hibernation. In reality, they've been working hard on this, their latest & easily their best album yet. That it took seven years to record is some indication of the torturous birth this album has had but, on the plus side, these unavoidable delays have allowed the band to refine the tracks to new heights of excellence. And while I'm sure they're going to hate me for saying this the spirit of kraftwerk is still in evidence here, not only on the shorter snippets that ape (in spirit at least) those on Radioactivity while, between them, "Digital World" & "Satellites" cover both the good & bad sides of technology a la Computer World, combining to make one 11-minute suite that sees the latter acting almost as the former's darker twin. Similarly, several of the abstract instrumental breaks are reminiscent of those on Home Computer in particular although there is an essential 'Britishness' to the Kinetik sound that gives them a more distinctive edge, starting with the short electronic waltz that is the title track. This is likely to raise a few eyebrows in the band's long-term fans but it works &, besides, little surprises like this are always good to keep you on your toes! Elsewhere "Marconi" is as fine a piece of synthpop as you could ever wish to hear while the stars of the show come in the form of "Sine Language" & "Modern Musique", both of which have the potential to be mainstream club hits if they were promoted right, both being amongst the most commercial & easily the most instantly infectious that the band have ever produced. In total contrast, the haunting "Over & Out" sees the band at their most emotive with Shirleyann Davies' Electronic Wind Instrument well to the fore, setting a quite haunting & evocative note that shows their versatility beyond doubt, ending the album on a quite superb note. And if that wasn't enough you can, if you're quick enough, get your hands on the limited edition 'Modem Times Supplement' CD+DVD. The CD contains some of the band's best works from the past (Including the bouncey "Go Elements Go" & "Tranz Continental", which Andrew Slegt co-wrote & which pre-dates the forming of the band) while the DVD boasts a tour round the studio, promotional videos & an utterly superb interview which makes this an unmissable package & remember, they're doing it all themselves so get in touch & grab yourself a copy today.
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