"Techno Unit 32: Misc. Tracks" is a diverse, genre-wise, batch of techno compositions, with the link being Kucharz's signature minimalism. Example: Even when his tunes are pulsing and forward moving, there is a deliberately subdued lack of aggression. Two perfect representations of this are "U969", his "Drum Bass Strings" track, which is technically D but whose bass isn't skull jarring and whose drums aren't neurotically frantic, and "U310", a hardcore (gabber) track, which, as with the D, exhibits the personality of the genre attached to it (each track is classified on the back liner notes) but in a restrained and subdued way - folks, I present thee minimalist gabber! There are handful of tracks labeled "techno", along with a couple of dub numbers and a house track ("four on the floor ... then three" Kucharz liner proudly notes). The listener will also discover what is hailed in the press materials as a new genre, progressive classical. I confess ignorance as to what compositional technique pigeon-holes them thus, but they are tasty nonetheless. All the tracks here exhibit a pacing not found in Kucharz ambient works, considering that these are more beat driven.
But, in line with the artists' minimalism, all of these - even the gabber - are imbued with a certain quietness that makes them capable of being relaxing listening, as well. Of course, played in the car (or as the soundtrack to an 80s sci-fi flick, perhaps ... note: I'm not being derisive!), they also supply the listener with a subtle energy that doesn't barge its way into the ears. While this side of Kucharz' work, for me, doesn't reach the perfection of his ambient efforts, it nonetheless stands four star artistic achievement. Four stars Kristofer Upjohn (Kristofer Upjohn ([EMAIL PROTECTED] ) also writes for raves.com) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ --------------- Armchair DJ Interview “CLASSICAL TO TECHNO TO CLASSICAL” Larry Kucharz interviewed by Brian J. Dillard complete interview at: http://www.armchairdj.com/handler.asp?/features/interviews/larry_kucharz.asp ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ --------------- For Ambientrance Interview with Larry Kucharz goto: http://www.spiderbytes.com/ambientrance/intkucharz.htm ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- available from BACKROADS MUSIC toll free (800) 767-4748 email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] website: backroadsmusic.com also available: all ambient and techno CD’s of Larry Kucharz ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------------- mediadrome international audiochrome, inc