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Concert Mon May 25 2009
Three of a Perfect Pair
At first it sounded like too much of a gratuitous pairing, if not something akin to a shotgun wedding -- the merging of two of the leading names on the international electronica scene. But the proof is in the results, and with the release of their album this past month, the collaborative trio Moderat (that being two parts Modeselektor to one part Apparat) proved that the venture makes total sense.
On prior releases, the duo Modeselektor have established themselves as deft craftsmen and versatile collaborators -- switching styles at the drop of a hat while working with everyone from Thom Yorke to glitchcore nutter Otto Von Schirach. Likewise for the moody and pop-minded Apparat (aka Sascha Ring), who showcased his own creative flexibility when he partnered with Ellen Allien for the brilliant 2006 album Orchestra Of Bubbles.
Working together as a trio and recording in all-analog mode, the artists play well off of each other as they hopscotch across the stylistic map -- sounding like an upbeat Boards of Canada on one track, or Yello making a dancehall move on another. On any given tune, it's easy for familiar listeners to tell which artist is taking the lead, especially when Apparat pops up with his more romantic, yearnful material (even if, at times, it sounds like what he's yearning for these days is to have one of his tunes included on the soundtrack for Twilight). In the end, the joint effort makes for one of the most pop-savvy, well-rounded electronic music releases of late.
Moderat play a headlining set at the Bottom Lounge this Wednesday evening, arriving in Chicago in the midst of their U.S. tour. WLUW's Abstrakt Science DJs Chris Widman and Luke Stokes get the evening rolling with a guest set on the decks. Tickets are $15 in advance, $18 the day of the show. The show is ages 18+, and doors open at 8 PM. 1375 West Lake Street.
[video]: Moderat - "A New Error"
[video]: Modeselektor - "Happy Birthday"
[video]: Apparat - "Holdon"
— Graham Sanford / Comments (0)
