Glued to our smartphones and reliant on all manner of high-tech gadgetry, the line between human and machine has never been harder to discern. For Brandt Brauer Frick, this porous boundary is a source of great inspiration to their music and ethos. Since 2008, Daniel Brandt, Jan Brauer and Paul Frick have pushed themselves to this edge in pursuit of classically rooted, organically sourced techno that demands precision in recordings and during live performances. The last two years have seen them form the Brandt Brauer Frick Ensemble, whose horns, strings and percussion add depth to an already intensely detailed sound, especially live. Their recently released second album, Mr Machine dazzles as it offers new interpretations of previous highlights and their expansive revamps of songs by Emika, Agnes Obel, and Scott (Brandt and Brauer’s first project).
Having last spoken to Paul Frick in early 2008, LWE caught up with Daniel Brandt about the creativity hatched by the Ensemble, working with Rashad Becker, and how UK bass music is inspiring their new material. They also created LWE’s 109th exclusive podcast, a genre-promiscuous mix placing many of their favorite 2011 releases between classic techno sides and seminal classical music. [stream + interview here]
TRACKLIST:
01. Gustav Mahler (played by Claudio Abbado with Berlin Philharmonic), “Andante Commodo” [Deutsche Grammophon]
02. Luc Ferrari, “The Dress Rehearsal Performed Before Brunhild On 24.10.08″ [Sub Rosa]
03. John Cage (played by Klára Kormendi), “Sonatas And Interludes V” [Hungaroton]
04. Helmut Lachenmann (played by Herbert Schuch), “Guero” [Oehms Classics]
05. Steve Reich (played by Amadinda Percussion Group), “Piano Phase” [Hungaroton]
06. Roman, “Goodbye Bunny” (Brandt Brauer Frick Reinterpretation) [Kalk Pets]
07. Jeff Mills, “Revolt” [Tresor]
08. LCD Soundsystem, “45:33″ (Theo Parrish’s Space Cadet Remix) [DFA]
09. G.H., “Ground” [Modern Love]
10. James Blake, “Give A Man A Rod” (Second Version) [Hessle Audio]
11. Robert Hood, “Resurrection” [M-Plant]
12. Bodo Elsel, “Fantasie Mädchen” [Playhouse]
13. Pearson Sound, “Untitled” [Night Slugs]
14. SBTRKT, “Ready Set Loop” [SBTRKT]
15. Wax, “No. 20002″ [Wax]
16. Emika, “Pretend” (Brandt Brauer Frick Rework) [Ninja Tune]
17. Crazy P, “Make Me Wanna” [20:20 Vision]
18. Mr. K Alexi, “Don’t You Know” (Ron Hardy Muzic Box Classic)
[Partehardy Records]
19. Amon Tobin, “Lost & Found” (Brandt Brauer Frick Skiffle It Up Dub)
[Ninja Tune]
DOWNLOAD HERE
(Source: Little White Earbuds)