Oberman Knocks - 13th Smallest

by Maarten Schiethart

published: 27 / 6 / 2009

Label: Aperture Records
Format: CD

Wonderfully tense industrial electronica on debut album from Oberman Knocks, the new project of Sheffield-based musician Nigel Truswell

Review

Before Nigel Truswell out of Sheffield was promoted to Herr Oberman Knocks, he used the Alkin Engineering moniker from 2003 onwards. Using the entire spectrum of computer hard- and software sounds, the Oberman collects conflicting patterns in music and constructs rough beats. The Oberman knocks around like an austere wizard on '13th Smallest', his debut CD. 'Lackey Remand' is the first, slightly conventional composition and was the first to also appear on on a limited edition twelve inch EP with three other tracks from this CD, 'Walkers Ret-Ret Hive', 'Holtzen Anger Mire' and Beckerton First Draft'. Yes, there is a bit of silly speak in would-be German on '13th Smallest'! In fact, I find irony and sarcasm on '13th Smallest' and on, for example, 'Rackdown Dent' Thunderous breakbeats, voice samples played backwards, grim industrial characteristics and creepy teasers combine, like Various Production, with various mixed results. But der Oberman builds wonderful tension with edgy breaks on a continuing tapestry of rich design.

Track Listing:-

1 Bronic
2 Motor Sepple Freak
3 Indomine Rhittiger Plans By Four
4 Lackey Remand
5 Anterbine On Hote
6 Walkers Ret-Ret Hive
7 Holtzen Anger Mire
8 Beckerton First Draft
9 Rackdown Dent
10 Turton Hacks