Elektrofest 2002

Set List
Kit List
Rehearsal Photos
Performance Photos
Review by Rob Dyer
Review by Xan Alexander
Review by Johnny EOL

Bath Electronica 2000

Introduction
Review by David Gurr
Review by Paul Wilkinson
Set List
Credits

1998 Micro Tour

A Report By Paul Wilkinson
Set List - Narberth
Set List - Derby

Elektrofest 2002

..a review by Rob Dyer (Dark Star Organisation)

Elektrofest 2002 was the third event of its kind, the two previous one-dayers a mixture of the cross-section of alternative/underground electronic acts; but not without some decidedly dodgy artistes thrown in for good measure. This year two German acts were headlining and the remainder an overview of the current UK scene. None too apparently dodgy...

 ...although Kinetik could easily have been first in the queue. A former Kraftwerk covers band based in Cornwall isn't exactly a CV that immediately inspires great excitement. However, like a good job interviewee, it took just a few moments to realise that this three piece were more than just the sum of their previous jobs. Their stage set-up, the likes of which I hadn't seen since seeing Hard Corp's towering modular patch synths many years ago, even put Kraftwerk themselves in the shade. Apart from housing the backing track and the vocoder that Kinetik made regular use of, I'm not sure what the huge wall of equipment actually was doing, but who really cared when it provided such an impressive light show? Besides, all three had digital synths up front that they utilised throughout (an electronic flute also made an appearance on one track).

What followed was part Kraftwerk, part Orbital. Kinetik didn't just imitate their Dusseldorfian heroes, they merely used the Trans Europe Express/Computer World era as a template for most of their sounds (and subject matter) but produced contemporary dance music of which the Germans themselves would have been proud. With projections neatly synchronising with the beats, it was great fun listening to songs that, in taking their cue from Kraftwerk, not only understood the irony and humour to be found therein, but matched it perfectly with lyrics like: "Atomic rules... Make molecules", "Carbon dates... Tectonic plates" and the refrain "Helium and Gallium... Go elements go!" (from Go Elements Go!).

The beefy bass dance power of Tranzmission would keep most hard EBM-heads contented, but it was on the outstanding ISDN that Kinetik hit their creative stride. An epic, lyrical journey through the wonders of technology, complete with simple yet infectious hooklines, wonderful melodies, grooves and beat loops that were impossible to ignore. I admit to be highly skeptical about Kinetik before hearing them, but they proved themselves with ease. An impressive performance that got Elektrofest 2002 off to a cracking start.