The Brandt Bauer Frick Ensemble – Mr. Machine 6.6

                I have to hand it the Brandt Bauer Frick Ensemble: they know how to start an album in style. When this album truly begins is on ‘Bop’. ‘Bop’ is the best cut on the entire album. The beginning is simply gorgeous. Slowly it interlocks into a jazzy house piece, reminiscent of a house version of the Moritz von Oswald trio. Not simply content with this, the melody on this piece shimmers as it slowly builds up in intensity. Really, this is by far the best thing on the entire album. 

                The rest of the album has a tough act to follow. Parts of it appear to nearly reach those heights, but seem to be a bit more muddled, a bit less clear. Most of the album falls into a pleasant but not particularly engaging lot. The simplistic beats falter on the other tracks. Instead it sounds like a rather weak mix, lacking the impact of that strong opener. I’m reminded of some sort of lackluster Akufen track, one that still needed a certain punch to it. 

                Even the worst tracks on here are acceptable. What’s truly tragic is the beginning: one can hear the quality The Brandt Bauer Frick Ensemble is capable of when they are charging forward, all cylinders blasting. Unfortunately there are only a few moments where that truly happens. The others keep you longing for better quality control. Overall, it is decent but it could have been great.