Algorhythms

Sometimes it seems like Germany has a corner on the ambient electronica market, and Algorhythms by Professor Kazkaz offers even more support for that theory. "Cellular Automata" seems a bit cold and dated, offering up the kind of synth-laden grooves that typified early-'80s European electronica. But elsewhere, Kazkaz whips up some impressive soundscapes that have interestingly dramatic builds, such as on "Particles" and the dragging "Plasma Propulsion." (There's a subtext here: Professor Kazkaz should really have someone else title the songs.) In truth, it's easy to get down on ambient electronica when looking at it through traditional melodic conventions (i.e., sometimes it's supposed to be cold and blippy and unmelodic). Nevertheless, Kazkaz throws enough interesting sound shapes into the mix to keep one attuned, absorbed, and guessing. But that is not to say that the beautiful melody line that wells up out of the undercurrent of "Neodym" after it's well under way isn't sweet relief. This is a solid and interesting effort with some absorbing passages and moments.