Bryan Kessler / Sisters & Brothers Vol. 4

Bryan Kessler has made a point of not toeing the line in terms of the sometimes mono-thematic world of electronic dance music. Hailing from Cologne, Kessler started his musical life as a lead singer in an indie band, before discovering the pleasures of the dancefloor for himself. Having released a number of superb tracks on Comeme, Numbers and Get Physical, he now drops a killer 5 tracker on hafendisko.

‘Such A Sweet Ability’ is a pure statement of Kessler’s philosophy - a spoken word vocal laying out his vision - underpinned by a throbbing, low slung techno groove.

‘No Go-Go’ also has a grimey, rock swing to its electronics, with a swung, jagged bassline and crisp, ring percussion. Kessler adds his unique vocals late in the track, heavily treated and moducalted for maximum effect.

‘Tender Me The Tenderness’ treads a similar vein - rough and ready electronics provide the back- bone, with tripping, pounding drums maintaining the shape. This one is aimed squarely at the floor.

‘Don’t Be Dumb Pretend You’re Dumb’ employs heavy percussion and a deep, round kick for the dancers, before exploding into fizzing electronic busts of static - something like a carnival happen- ing inside a broken television. Last up is another exquisitely titled track - ‘Tell Your Friends They Should Better Stop Talking’ - which slows the pace a little but still brings the heat. Off-kilter pulses and bleeps balance out the driving rhythm, while an euphoric synth stab phases in and out across the track.