Mind Flux
Kontinuum
A new name to me, and on this form that just has to change. ‘Kontinuum’ is described, on the sleeve, by one pundit as “... a unique electronic music cocktail with electrifying beats, hypnotic sequencer lines, lush pad sounds, and amazing vocoder and effects sounds.” About the only word I’d disagree with is “unique”, other than that the enthusiasm and praise is whole heartedly deserved. The title track opens and immediately presents the vocoder angle - nothing new but extremely well executed. The track is clearly dance oriented and is a real foot tapper, and the sequencing is extremely tight and catchy. ‘Solar Eclipse 99’ is again heavy on the vocoder touches and again rifles in a number of blistering sequence hooks. Kraftwerk fans will find this a must. It’s a two part track, with the second part heavier on the vocals and again it’s not a million miles away from the Dusseldorf funksters.

‘Time Invaders’ is a surprise - suddenly we are plunged into classic retro sequencing of the very highest calibre. Add long drifty effects and mellotron touches and this is approaching Redshift standard. Then the track starts to slowly metamorphose into a more contemporary outing with an uptempo beat and scorching synth lines entering the fray. The sequencing remains hugely impressive and for me this one alone is convincing enough to make ‘Kontinuum’ an obligatory purchase.

I’ve just noticed that the artists behind Mind Flux are Fanger & Kersten, so they are not so unfamiliar to smd after all. Re-reading my review of ‘Script’ I certainly mentioned the Kraftwerk references, and Dave’s review of ‘Interkosmos’ mentions Spyra which is another fair reference point. But I’ve a feeling Kontinuum represents yet more progress for F&K because this standard puts them firmly in the “anticipating their next release“ category. ‘Space Performer’ is a sequenced delight, with a trance-like atmosphere which pushes all the right buttons. ‘Lunar Sunrise’ takes on dance territory with equal aplomb and yet again what sequencing! Add mellotron and imagine the your aging vinyl copy of ‘Encore’ played at 45rpm. The trio of tracks which close - well, what more can I say? Sublime sequencing - great synths - it’s just great! ‘Signals from Freddy Dreamer’ plays the retro/dance trick again similar to ‘Lunar Sunrise’. RetroDance? Perhaps “unique” is correct after all.

Maybe I’m going soft in my old age. I haven’t slagged off an album for ages. I think Dave now knows my tastes so well that he can cherry-pick exactly the type of EM I like. Hence, all these glowing reviews recently. And here’s another one. ‘Kontinuum’ - it’s as simple as this. Don’t miss it. (GG)

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