ATTRAKTORS

Attraktors

AElectro-rock from the East Midlands via 1970s Germany.

ttraktors are a trio operating out of Nottingham, described as “like Kraftwerk raised on tea and cricket”. It’s not inaccurate, but given the pedigree of the members’ previous bands – including Six By Seven – there’s more going on than just an English homage to Düsseldorf’s finest.

In particular, a definite post-punk vibe pervades this debut, sometimes recalling the broken-down futurism of BEAK>. Future Systems is a fantastic opening track, twinkling keys giving way to a machine-driven electronic anthem, while Math Redux is like crazed early 80s synth pop in an unholy alliance with neo-prog. The vocals are deliberately blank and affectless, delivering a meaningful if oblique message on Maximum Minimum.

Another plus point is the live bass that underpins the electronics, both jittery and groovy on the Eno-meetsWire channelling Mensonge Et La Chute. The faux-naïve synth transmission of Search Mode highlights that Harmonia is actually their big German reference, while the closing brace of A Nearfield Background and Interlude For Wounded Deer flag the influence of minimalist Laraaji. Fizzing with energy, this is an excellent, exciting opening shot. JB