TMPLT – The Verge (Album – TMPLT Records)
Genre/Influences: Minimal-electro, experimental, IDM.
Format: Digital, Vinyl (2×12”).
Background/Info: TMPLT is a Berliner based project driven by producer Michael Knop –still active under the Distale moniker. He set up his own label unleashing the debut work of his TMPLT sonic brainchild, which has been introduced as inspired by the sound of The Prodigy, Martyn ao.
Content: The link withThe Prodigy is not explicitly noticeable, but there are some aspects in the production, which might remind you of this breakbeat giant. The work of TMPLT is much more minimal-driven and sophisticated. The tracklist reveals an interesting progression in sound elaboration and cadence, the tempo becoming progressively harder and kicking. The songs have been carried by deep, resonating bass lines and ghost-like vocal effects. Tracks have been achieved with industrial sound treatments so in the end this work rather reminds me of Autechre and related projects.
+ + + : “The Verge” is a real successful debut album revealing a truly sound architect, manipulating and creating sounds by good-old analogue gear. The link with The Prodigy is maybe true for some of the broken rhythms and vibrating bass lines, but TMPLT first of all has a very personal sound identity. I like some of the flat-like sound arrangements together with the ghost-like, whispering vocals. The last part of the album is worth listening to and especially the outstanding “OTD DTB” caught my attention. I like the industrial elements running through this track.
– – – : Some passages are a bit more experimental-like, which is not my favorite element of the album, but there’s no reason to complaining.
Conclusion: “The Verge” is a highly recommendable work revealing modern- and intelligent electronics; the sound of the future!
Best songs: “OTD DTB”, “HRDHEX”, “MARCH55”, “4FLOR”.
Rate: (8).
Artist & Label: www.tmplt-rec.de / www.facebook.com/tmplt.records
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