monoton: monotonprodukt 02

Although Monoton dried up in 1992, its entire output consisting of a handful of mini-albums and limited-run EPs, its minimalist electronica appears increasingly ahead of its time. The sole work of Austria's Konrad Becker, it was a key influence on the brand of Eurotronica found on labels from Kompakt to Mego. Becker began hooking up analog rhythm boxes and tone generators in late '70s Vienna, churning out a terse music of bleeps, pings and subsonic pulses, all plunged in tape delay and reverb. Blau -- originally titled Monotonprodukt 02 -- was Monoton's first release from 1980. The buzzing machines often sound strained to their limits, yet the overall mood is somber, a palette of grays and umbers punctuated by Becker's incoherent murmurs. 'Dubwise' is a spooky premonition of Rhythm And Sound's Germanic reggae. Muffled steel drums resound around 'Wirklichkeit,' while 'Teil 2' is seared with a violin drone. Even after 28 years, Monoton's unearthly, steely beauty is preserved intact." --Rob Young; This classic album is now reissued on vinyl for the first time ever and original copies exchange for $200 nowadays. 1,000 copies on clear blue vinyl. 350 gram sleeve with holes. Printed inner. Includes a download code.