- Of their new white label series Kontra-Musik say, "The sound will be a bit rougher and punky but still with quality and uniqueness as [the] main focus." Triffid Gossip, the first entry, certainly embodies this statement well. It comes from Frak, a Swedish trio who've been around since the late '80s and spent most of their time releasing on Börft, a label owned by one of the members. The influence of this lengthy career is evident in all four cuts, which evoke classic EBM and electro with a DIY touch. At its gentlest, the first—"666"—thrums like an idle engine. But most of the time, it's busy being sinister, using towering horror synths to stab out a catchy sequence over tinny snares and rattling drums. The contrasts between these alternating sections are dramatic, with elements added or subtracted in only the most abrupt of ways.
"888" is a bit more playful. At first, its plucky low-end is somewhat guitar-like. As the tune progresses, however, the trio slowly tweak the settings, contorting the bass—the sole bit of melody—into buoyant squawks. If these two weren't quirky enough, then there's "555." With its heavily serrated chords, it's a little reminiscent of Robag Wruhme's "Dopamin." This time, however, the chords move forth far more sluggishly, bumping alongside bright echoes and the barest hints of percussion. The final track, "999," is Drexciyan in all but name. Ominous and tense, it creeps along using a liquid arp and pliant electro bass.
Tracklist A1 666
A2 888
B1 555
B2 999