Agoria - Les Violons Ivres

FLuViRuS, Sep 02, 2007

I usually turn my nose up at techno artistes incorporating strains of classical music to 4/4 thumps since thinking caps are usually shelved away in those exercises (Orbit, are you listening?). I visualize dead composers turning and retching in their graves when their music is used as part of a techno anthem, because it cheapens their original complexity. When it comes to Agorias Les Violons Ivres (translation: Drunk Violins) however, one feels a sense of measured euphoria. The supporting web of synths bubbling underneath supports the bittersweet melody-line of violins. The pieces fraility is its strength; its barely there, but its presence is indelible.

For those in the mood for something more irascible, flip over to the B-side (translation: Drunk Plastics) where highly processed sheets of electronic tweaking and knobbing are carefully and claustrophobically structured to 4/4 beats. At the 530" mark, out of nowhere, like snowflakes falling from an azure blue sky, ivories tinkle a descending melody-line that is frail like the A-side, but only just for a while. Then the record spins to an end with some residual drunken electronics.

Complemented with über-beautiful artwork, this release reinvigorates the traditional techno scene with some delicate and intricate moves that is understatedly self-assured. Get drunk on it, now.

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