Parallels have occasionally been drawn between techno and modern classical music, most especially dissonant movements such as minimalism, serialism and the broader avant garde. The purest techno has a stark, almost barren simplicity and those involved with it, notably Detroit techno original Jeff Mills, are keen to build bridges with the orchestral community, taking techno into concert halls and hoping to add a certain intellectual kudos. Such ventures are a mixed blessing - often losing the sheer energetic fun of the music along the way - but a new German outfit called Brandt Brauer Frick bridge the gap in a fascinating manner, throwing in a hint of jazz along the way.
Daniel Brandt, Jan Brauer and Paul Frick have formed an ensemble consisting of multiple percussion beside violin, cello, harp, tuba and trombone. They utilise a little analogue synthesizer but are essentially acoustic. The music they play, however, captures the throb of contemporary dancefloors, going for a hypnotic deep house/minimal techno feel. Frick was studying composition at Berlin University when he hooked up with Brauer and Brandt who were already making jazz-tinged house music. Stylishly presented, with a tip of the hat to Kraftwerk's deadpan image, the trio lead their musicians through a set that's entertained as many European arts festivals as it has dens of rave iniquity (such as Berlin's Berghain). Word is that they're headed toward Britain in the near future. Those who cannot wait should make their way to gigs at the Insomnia Festival at Tromso in Norway on Saturday 23 October or at Berlin Clubs such as The Watergate (on 5 November). Alternatively have a look at the video performance film below.
Watch the video for Brandt Bauer Frick's "Bop":
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