Originally an electronic duo from the UK named Mutante, Korb has released their second full length under the new moniker. For lack of a better term, let’s call this Krautrock inspired music for the modern age. You can definitely hear the Kraftwerk influence as if the song titles didn’t already give that away but you can also certainly pick up on the Can and Tangerine Dream influences as well.
The album kicks off with Dirty Robots which pays some obvious debt of influence to Kraftwerk’s “Antenna”. “Hallow Earth” follows with a motorik beat and again borrowing heavily from the Kraftwerk sound and feel though augmented by a more traditional guitar and bass sound that recalls something akin to The Darkside. “Megastructure” takes on a bit of a different more modern approach although borrowing a bit from the first track.”Korbs Next Android” bridges the gap between krautrock and 80’s synth-pop with a bit of Visage or Tangerine dream soundtrack feel to it. “Tape to Tape” advances the sound even further forward with a bit faster pace and distorted guitar. “The Beyond” slows us back down and really brings us to that movie soundtrack feel, heavy on the analog synth that could be something you might hear in Stranger Things. “Hidden Temple” again brings us back to that 80’s feel which is where I think Korb really stands out where you get a blend of the influences from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90’s electronic music. “Night Vision” closes out the lp with another soundtrack style piece.
Overall a very enjoyable LP. You will find loads of reference material here without it borrowing so heavily that it becomes derivative or hokey. For fans of instrumental analog synth music with a more rock vibe.
Release coming in September from The Weird Beard in a limited edition of 250 with the first 50 being numbered and having a bonus signed CD
