Plastikman's "Spastik" is an absolute classic of the techno genre. Its a standout track of the more minimal end of the techno spectrum and is solely percussive. Arguably, the track works as well on its own as it does when mixed over other tracks. However, for those with minimal-phobia, this track, with its rolling snare sound building throughout, is perfect as an accompaniment to other tracks in a mix and can really boost a set.

In short, this track is probably best thought of as a tool. Its great to use throughout a set at different points to create build ups and keep a constant thread running through different mixes. The rolling snare sound is infectious and the crashing cymbals and deep bass kick drive it on like a marching army.

A classic!

There was a relatively short time in the realm of techno music where tracks were built on drums and drums only. I have a few examples of these rare "strictly rhythm" tracks and this is one of them - "Spastik" that is. And God is it ever cool! Richie Hawtin legitimately can claim some rights to being called the pioneering innovator of many of techno's innovations. In "Spastik" he used a trick that became horribly over-used later in the evolution of techno but he seemed to do it first (that I heard anyway). The trick is the reverent "mid-range sweep". During the recording of the track (or possibly the remix or mix-down?)he slowly manipulates the "sweepable mids" on his mixer which makes the sound thus "tweeked", which was at one time the backbone of techno. It's also something that seems to have largely disappeared from techno music production. But there it was back in '93 - the "tweeked drums" of Richie Hawtin as Plastikman. Not only was that trick employed but Richie's creative use of composition - building in this case - made for a track that had new tricks around each corner of the track. Were you really ready for that POUNDING 808 kick drum that suddenly comes in after four or five minutes? It will make listeners take notice. I have proceeded to scratch the surface of the tangibles that make "Spastik" so great, but lest we forget the intangibles, the stuff I can't explain - why it's just a great track! Richie was genuinely talented at composition and had a great sense of how to logically construct a track from front to back and keep it interesting. I've said things about Richie in other reviews that may have some of you thinking I'm hypocritical but I assure you - I give Richie the highest props as to his genuine talent and my negative words (as some of you would understand them) relate more to listeners of Richie unfairly and unfoundedly deifying him to unjustly Godly levels and he's not that immensely cool. He's just another talented techno musician that made the genre fun to listen to back in the early '90s. This record showcases some of those talents. Check it out.

the remix of gak is a real crowdpleaser, even though its pretty minimal. the fast bass hits and the acid sound get the junglists on the floor for some reasons. its one of those tracks that is definatly timeless.

spastik, well, its spastik. can't beat it. probably one of the most recogizable techno tracks ever.

and the live part, well, wow. i wish i was able to attend the show that it was recorded at. the SWEAT MOTHER FUCKER part is pretty dope. i like playing it on 45 and mixing just that part in. throws people in a frenzy.