MINIMUM MAXIMUM

I think I'm not going to be far off the mark it I state that Krafwerk is one of the most influential bands on the PA pages next to Pink Floyd and Can. While PF has mainly influenced later generations of prog-bands, Can and Kraftwerk's influences have stretched into the entirely opposite directions. Anti-prog, if that is what you wish to call it.

Already at the end of the 70's the cold minimal machine sound of Kraftwerk was picked up by tens of synth-pop, new wave and later industrial bands (Simple Minds, Gary Numan, Depeche Mode, Front 242,...). Also in the ensuing decades, many techno acts (Orbital, Trentemöller) kept returning to the framework set by Kraftwerk in the 70's. For that reason, the Krafwerk reunion and this live album is totally relevant. Their music has never dated and they prove it on this impressive setlist that compiles most of their classics with a few tracks from the come-back album Tour De France.

The old tracks are mostly unchanged but benefit greatly from the updated sound, especially the drum sequencing is fresh and sparkling which makes the renditions on this live album preferrable over the studio originals. On the newer tracks from Tour De France, Kraftwerk have modernized their sound (not the approach though) and pull off a set of contemporary techno pieces that sounds as if they've never done anything else. Great job.

One doesn't get to review many techno albums on prog archives so I'll take the opportunity to recommend this as the best possible entry point for anyone interested in this fascinating genre.

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