As one of the more eclectic and talented producers in the electronic genre Sascha Ring (AKA Apparat) has often found his music being championed by some of the more forward thinking electronic artists, DJs and labels. I was first introduced to his unique production style on James Holden’s Balance mix way back in 2003. Since then he’s featured on Holden’s Border Community label and the more left of centre Shitkatapult. Arguably though, his finest work (and most danceable) has come about through sharing the studio with BPitch, head honcho and techno femme fatale Ellen Allien. Their album Orchestra of Bubbles created waves in the scene with its melodic and futuristic techno sound. Its fresh production and epic emotional tones really stood out amongst a lot of the other stuff being released at the time.

This album entitled Things To Be Frickled sees not one but two jam packed CDs of Apparat goodness. CD1 showcases the man himself remixing his contemporaries whilst CD2 sees his own personal work get the makeover by other upcoming and established artists. The first opens with his remix of Francesco Tristano Strings of life and what sounds like a computer clicking into gear, followed by the rhythmic tapping of computer keys. A gentle piano melody kicks in and some trademark Apparat synth reverberations. This is a warm and cruisy opening that encourages further listening. Track 2 is a remix of Swayzak entitled Smile and Receive – a great little dirty bassline is accompanied by a truly uplifting epic wall of sound that just screams to be played as the sun comes up. I’d certainly be smiling if I received this on the dance floor. Highlighting the diversity of Apparat is the next song entitled where he at by Raz Ohara and The Odd Orchestra. Entirely down tempo, this is a melancholic, heartfelt and touching number with vocals by Raz Ohara that remind me of Antony and the Johnsons. Other highlights of CD1 includes Boyznoize- Shine Shine, Paul Kalkbrenner Queer Fellow, Apparat Fractales and Moderat feat. Paul st hilaire Let Your Love Grow.

CD2 kicks off with a beautiful and stirring piece entitled- komponent once again with some great vocals by Raz OHara. Watch out Ellen Allien as these two make a great pair. Track 2 is quite different to anything else on the CD, the remix by Chris de Luca and Phon.O sounding like it wouldn’t be out of place in Prince’s backcatalogue. While I can’t completely warm to it, its quite fun and sounds like the kind of thing that Justin Timberlake wishes he could pull off. Apparat’s Arcadia is up next (Telefon tel aviv remix) and is definitely one of the highlights of the whole album. Soaring angelic vocals meet a storming new wave/electro bassline and create a driving epic danceable number to lose yourself too. Overall CD2 fails to captivate as much as the first, and maybe Apparat’s magic touch is lost somewhat in the hands of others. Lusine gives an interesting take on a track entitled contradiction whilst the Modselektor remix of holdon is suitably chaotic and speaker bassbin destroying.

Whilst the quality drops a bit on the second CD, there is still more than enough great music on this album to justify a purchase. A must for lovers of IDM, and anyone that appreciates deep and multilayered electronic music that doesn’t always fit on the dance floor.