Turner - Disappearing Brother

by Maarten Schiethart

published: 17 / 12 / 2001

Label: Ladomat
Format: LP

Keni Mok (aka Turner) recorded a few songs in 1998 just when he was leaving for Hamburg to fulfill his patriotic duty as a civil servant. Ladomat put these out with some extra tracks and quite unexpec

Review

Keni Mok (aka Turner) recorded a few songs in 1998 just when he was leaving for Hamburg to fulfill his patriotic duty as a civil servant. Ladomat put these out with some extra tracks and quite unexpectedly a humble classic was born. On this album 'Lukin Orgel' you'll find fragile, analogue pop dance tracks which are vaguely reminiscent of Money Mark. 'Im Schwung Eins' was one of the highlights, which nicely melts together acoustic beats with a nursery rhyme type of melody. Bearing this in mind, Keni Mok's second album initially comes as a disappointment. The sound's become digital, big, crafted, well rounded and what we took to be the typical Turner sound seems to have disappeared. 'Disappearing Brother' is the title of this second Turner (Keni Mok sounds very Ikea indeed), I am yet to figure out whether he named the album after replacing his old computer or after some family incident, but. 'Disappearing Brother' is much more stylish. Hints of pop, techno, and minimalism all make up his sound to form a greater space experience. 'Head In Sky' has a deeply touching melancholic quality, of which only Germans musicians seem to be capable of. This is the type of track you'd expect to become a signature tune. It's classy, mellow, yet deep electro. Turner does rock out on one track: 'Lord Stripper'. Determined by the force of beats, 'Lord Stripper' is the only downright party track on the album. 'Disappearing Brother' is a great companion for home entertainment. Vinyl junks get an extra treat with a free 12". Check the 'Midnobody' and 'Transiermaschine' tracks on vinyl. Absolutely gorgeous they are.This is an excellent album.