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Andrew Slava-Kovaks released some very good albums during the early 80s that, to a certain extent, mirrored the music of Fad Gadget and the other Mute artists. His discography shows that he never stopped making music but has kept developing his unique style.
I'm not sure if he opted for some sort of musical exile but his name never seemed to get mentioned in normal electro circles which might be the reason why this album retains the home made feel of those days and has a style that is very much it's own. Although the ambient pieces such as "Streetwalkers Theme" and the offbeat "Crash Investigation" succeed in setting the appropriate moods it's with the up-tempo tracks such as the outrageously infectious opener "See Saw People (Bipolar Theme)" and the equally excellent "Not In This Life" that really bring this album to life.
There are some Kraftwerk touches to the closing "Incandescent" but never have even they produced something as quirky (or as much fun) as the racey "Roboteers" it's featuring samples from the "Robot Wars" TV show that just add to the fun without sounding daft, superb stuff! ASK (excellent synonym, eh?!) has perfected the formula of crafting gritty but highly addictive tracks that beg for repeat listenings and prove to be winners time and time, even when, in the case of "Biathlon" they are pretty linear and change very little. It has to be said, though, that whatever connection there might be between the title "Bandaid" and the Oriential melodics of this piece is one only the artist is aware of!!.
"Just Fine" is closest to the modern electro although the analogue rhythms keep within the album's style while "Dawn Of The Dead" is similarly harder edged rhythmically and musically with ASK's vocal style complimenting the music perfectly."Dits Dance" is a lot less frenetic than might be expected being a relatively understated piece.
There are 16 tracks to choose from on this album and barely a bad moment among the lot of them.For those wanting something slightly different from most electronic music this is a must.
RATING: 9
Artist Link: http://www.trueagerecords.com
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