Man-machine Elektro Guzzi plays spotless set

14 January 2012

Those who stroll inside halfway through Elektro Guzzi's set at the Grand Theatre and nudges their way to the front, probably expects a stage littered with synthesizers and drumcomputers. Think again: these Austrians make techno music using a traditional guitar-bass-drum set up.

CONCERT


Elektro Guzzi, Eurosonic, Grand Theatre, januari 12th 2012

MUZIEK
Nope, this is not some sly dance/rock cross-over, this is real techno music, the type only purists enjoy. No melody, just a hundred percent, stark rhythm-based attack. Their second album "Parquet" was released last year. Amazingly enough, this exuberant trio managed to grab an EBBA award earlier this week.



PLUS


The 'amazingly' part might sell Elektro Guzzi short. The modest international acclaim is more than welcome, and further more, justified. Within ten minutes or so, the Grand Theatre is transformed into a huge dancing mass, without any fireworks or flashy visuals being deployed. The drummer plays steadily and sparingly, at times solely on kick and snare drum, while the bass player has a huge array of soundeffects at his disposal, which he utilizes in a refined way. As does the guitar player, adding alot of pizzazz to the overall sound mix. He too plays on a square inch: for example, this small metal plate which eminates a scraping noise, subsequently charged with various effects. No excessive use of reverb, but a miscellaneous kaleidoscope of sounds.

MINUS


It's a completely refreshing concept, executed to perfection. But within that concept, there is not alot of leeway to expand further on their sound.



CONCLUSION


This band could help even the most fanatical of guitar purists comprehend techno music. A must for every festival with ambition to explore the depths of electronic music even further. Are Pitch and Lowlands taking note?

GRADE


9

 

Read the review on the 3voor12 website here