To Rococo Rot – Instrument

Dissonant intelligence and atonal artistry...

Simmering ambient electronica inflected with jazz and modern classical modes is expected from Berlin-based trio To Rococo Rot. It’s what long-term admirers expect, and it’s delivered.

However, the brothers Lippok, on synths and guitars, bolstered by admirable bass courtesy of Stefan Schneider, are elevated on this eighth album by the collaborative vocals of Arto Lindsay, of pioneering new-wave band DNA. He faultlessly fits in, sharing the same dissonant intelligence and atonal artistry.

There’s a Big Apple flavour throughout: ‘Down In The Traffic’ has percussive similarities to Steve Reid and Kieran Hebden’s ‘NYC’, whereas ‘Classify’ suggests Doug Yule-era Velvet Underground.

Thumping Mark Hollis-style piano and ominous scuttling backbeats add another satisfying touch to a recommended collection.

7/10

Words: Anna Wilson

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