MINIMUM MAXIMUM

This DVD is a testament of Kraftwerk live in the 2000's. Long gone are the analog kraftwerk-crafted electronics, which have been replaced by digital samplers and effects. Yet, Kraftwerk is somehow able to retain its magic of yesteryears and its vision on technology. Should Kraftwerk launch an album today they wouldn't need to talk about computing or social media. Somehow they envisioned the effect of computers in society back in the 80's when they made Computerworld: "Control data memory."

So, what can be appealing of a Kraftwerk show in a digital age? Simple, videos synchronized to their songs. And these are aesthetically haunting. I can drool half an hour in front of the screen when watching "Vitamin". It is just so psychodelic (so take a note LSD fans, legal drugs may also rock.) Other videos that follow suit are Computerworld with its daunting minimalistic (protest?) lyrics, Neon Lights, Trans Europe Express and Numbers. Neon Lights somehow takes you back to the eighties and makes you wonder how amazed must have been Ralf and Florian back in the days with technological advancement. Trans Europe Express sets off as any other regular video until it gets on tracks. The synchronicity of the railway with the song cannot be more amazing.

By this era, some songs would be subject to changes, such as Die Roboter, Autobahn and Radioactivity. Sincerely, I don't know whether there is more than one version of the DVD. In any case, I prefer the old Radioactivity over the 90's one, it has an aesthetical magic that the dance number placed in the middle section during the 90's manages to ruin. Nevertheless, the awareness rising intro makes quite a statement on Kraftwerk's idiosyncracry. Autobahn was more than halved during the 90's for somehow obvious reasons. However, it still manages to keep its charm and the video sequence mimicking Autobahn's cover is fun. Die Roboter, instead was extended and made a dancier number, whilst retaining its charm. The way Kraftwerk opts to execute it is greatly rewarding, so I will not spoil it. It is up to you to enjoy it.

A special mention must be made to The Man Machine and Numbers, which are always great songs. It is also worth mentioning how funny is that most Kraftwerk fans stay put during the concert but for two fellas in the front row who jump and dance as if they were at Creamfields. Everyone is entitled to have fun in their manner: Kraftwerk has fun by pretending to be detached. Truth is that Kraftwerk is more reality-grounded than most bands.