Mind Over MIDI - Elektrical Aktivity

This compilation of tracks from recent EPs, new tracks and remixes, from Norway's Mind Over MIDI, is very much an album of two halves. The first five tracks, all icy ambience, ghostly drums, and liquid melodies (probably inspired by MOM maim man Helge Tømmervåg's dark past in an early 80s electro pop duo), are very reminiscent of fellow Arctic circle compatriots Biosphere, and Dub Tractor, and at their heights are stunning. Second track, "Relaxed', in particular overcomes its rather naff title, by marrying shuffling rhythms and a mesmeric piano riff to maximum hypnotic effect, and is worth the price of admission alone. Elsewhere, 'E-Scape's dreamlike qualities also have the desired impact, and only the odd ill-advised indulgence on the analogue swiggle front sits at odds with the horizontal status quo. The ambient techno of title track 'Elektrical Aktivity', however, signals a change of gear, with the thus far restrained drum corps coming to the fore, the whole caboodle dashing headlong into what I believe you youngsters would call a 'frenzy beat fest'. Which, while highly attractive to some, signals those 'bpmc' (beats per minute challenged) fogeys such as myself to cower behind the sofa and dream of more calming climes. As I said, an album of two halves.