Kreidler – ABC

Düsseldorf's Kreidler are two decades deep, combining drifting ambient soundscapes with complex yet understated rhythmic patterns and richly-textured electronic riffs. The production throughout is immaculate, and although their sonic sculpture is sparse, it is often involving. The drums are the main guiding element, with the melodic and bass sections following the shifting rhythmic patterns, but often, the focus on rhythm lets the rest of the compositions drift a little too easily, and the record passes by in a minimalist haze. 

Given closer attention, the polyrhythmic beats deserve praise, but overall, Kreidler fail to deviate convincingly from the template of abstract electronica laid down by Warp artists in the early 90s. There are shades of Autechre, Plaid and Clark, but with none of those artists' groundbreaking approach to structure – despite the complexity of the drums, these tracks have a conventional, coffee-table sheen which is altogether too clean, and as a result, ABC feels somewhat half-finished in places. [Bram E. Gieben]