Synths + Drums + Noise + Space

The debut full-length from the Brighton-based duo AK/DK brings together raw drums, analog synthesizers, guitar effects pedals, and a variety of other gadgets. The record sees the band follow their three Dispatch EPs with a noticeable maturity, a development in their creativity, and perhaps best of all, it sounds like they're having great fun. The album begins with a short track, "Introduction," and just like "Autoservice" and "Morning Dragpipe," it's an example of the brief, beatless respites that are featured throughout the release, refreshing the listener before launching into the more groove-based drum- and synth-heavy tracks on the album. The synth-heavy "Maxwell's Waves," the hypnotic, druggy, and laid-back "Toucan Tango," and the almost-heavy-metal-riff-filled "C-Beams," are all heavily groove-based, hypnotic, and progressive, and are perhaps the finest moments on the album. It's not surprising to hear that AK/DK once played with Damo Suzuki, as their Krautrock influences are apparent on "Morning Drag Pipe," "Random Resonant Arp Disco," and "Seq and You Shall Find," which has Neu!-like synth lines as well as Jaki Liebezeit-inspired driving drum patterns. It would be easy to compare AK/DK to bands like Battles and Add N to (X); however, they hold their own here and deliver a highly impressive debut with a fine selection of tracks. One of the most captivating things about the album is the production, which brings the experimentation, excitement, and drum duels of their live show to disc, making a form of dance music for people who aren't usually inclined toward it. ~James Pearce, Rovi