Sgnl_fltr Vebra Play:   56K Dialup   Broadband   Download:   500K   1.5Mb (Excerpt from track 'Nomo')

Sgnl_fltr is, according to the CD sleeve-notes, the 'rhythmic alter-ego' of ambient musician Danny Kreutzfeldt. The sleeve-notes go onto to say, "call this techno even though it not necessarily is". So what is it then? Let's find out.

A dark drone kicks 'nomo' into life. A laidback, contemporary rhythm joins the gently pulsing drone; white noise occasionally flashes across the stereo- field. A metallic 'hit' adds a further rhythmic element to the mix. A 'bouncing' bass loop is deployed and the track is left to run. It's minimal, but very effective. 'pranka' is initially experimental, with disembodied sounds moving around the stereo-field. Gradually a simple rhythm takes shape and echoed pads add detail. A ghostly drone shimmers across the track, to be joined by menacing synth 'growls'. This is a highly descriptive piece, perfect for a chilling moment in a sci-fi film. 'empak' is a short, impressionistic piece, all chattering rhythm and drones.

An icy, digital pad is a fitting opening for a track called 'glacion'. A gentle, spartan, 'ticking' rhythm is added. Strangely 'vocal' sounding effects add detail. It's creepy, again perfect for a sci-fi soundtrack, like we're waiting for a strange alien being to be born. 'run-ra' opens with a pagan-sounding rhythm so densely bathed in reverb that it sounds like it's coming from the centre of the earth! More drum voices are added. A deep drone swells beneath.

'lono' is rhythmic from the outset, again sounding vaguely pagan. A drone again provides much of the 'harmonic' interest, whilst synth 'stabs' add further rhythms The attention to detail in this CD is excellent, there are very few elements 'on show' at any given time but they compliment each other perfectly. 'nocte' is full of attitude – with an upfront rhythm opening proceedings. Drones again underpin the beats, whilst various effects and pads swirl around creating interest and atmosphere. 'kwon' opens in atmospheric fashion with sparse drum hits and swirling, swathes of sound effects. Another 'ticking' beat is added along with 'backward' sounding effects. 'mesma' initially continues in the same vein, but gradually becomes more up- front in every area. The CD closes with 'nkuh'. After a minute of impressionistic clangs a 'storming' rhythm kicks in – it almost reminds me of an electronic Glitterband! The track races to a close.