Kafka – Geografia

Geografia, the soundtrack to Frank Micheletti’s identically-monikered dance, even without the benefit of a visual accompaniment still manages to retain some degree of evocative interest. Math-rock, krautrock and ambient explorations all vie for top billing in a mostly focused record; the styles often kept neatly segregated but every so often allowed to collide head-on, albeit with mixed results.

The soundtrack aspect of the work is somewhat blatant, able to be viewed as a collection of scene-setting explorations on one hand and a cohesive piece on the other without detracting from either, but nonetheless it’s the more structured moments on offer that demonstrate not only a willingness but also an aptitude for moving beyond background existence and into a space, somewhere between Mogwai and King Crimson, that no-one knew existed. Some of the album does seem a tad dry in comparison but the skill on display when Kafka do gain their stride makes Geografia worth the perseverance. [David Bowes]