Search - Komputer :: World of Tomorrow

Enjoyable, but you gotta have an open imagination

04/09/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Underwater cities, giant hovercraft, (something factories), trips to the stars... THE WORLD OF TOMORROW" are the introductory lines of the first track, continuing on into colonies on Mars, flying cars, "Jetson"-like walkways (remember those?), among other things, a typical glimpse into the future -- what we expected to 50 or 60 years ago to be happening "later on in the 90's", at least. Like a Jules Verne or Ray Bradbury novel, Komputer's "The World of Tomorrow" provides a glimpse into a future we will probably never see. Yet most of the futuristic imagery is not in the lyrics (the song "World of Tomorrow" could be just about the only 'sci-fi' song in here), but rather the sound.While it may sound as if Komputer is "ripping off" the traditional executions of Kraftwerk, few critics of Komputer's music see the truly unique half of the music.All of the music, of course, is entirely electronic, vocoders making frequent appearances (and possibly a Moog or two were used), especially prevalent "Bill Gates", a parody of Kraftwerk's "The Man Machine", where a robotic voice repeats "Bill Gates, Bill Gates, Bill Gates" , resulting in something rather entertaining.This album does have its many fine points, too. Some of the music in the songs -- Valentina, Terminus, Looking Down On London, and especially The Perfect Pop Band -- remind me of semi-early video game music, usually the buzzing, bleeping, sawtoothing chip music that would get stuck in your head if that game was especially addicting and imaginative. So, for me at least, Komputer's chippy, Moogy, distant rhythms and primitive yet effective textures stir some kind of nostalgic thoughts in my head, somehow connecting my imagination to an impossibly futuristic world planted from reading too many sci-fi novels and playing too many sci-fi based video games. That is exactly why I like Komputer.Komputer's lyrics... that's another story. Some may like their simplicity, others may hate their lack of poetic justice (that isn't to say some of their lyrics have no significant meaning, it's just they're written so badly, in my opinion)Kraftwerk extremists will probably use this album as a coaster, or burn it as if it were the flag of a hated foreign country. But others (like me) could appreciate this album as a great (yet unorthodox) tribute, a way of keeping Kraftwerk's spirit alive into the following years to come."

Kraftwerk Klone

TrEE | Venice, FL | 12/11/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Normally when I hear a band totally ripping off another band, it's a turn off. However, when artists are imitating KRAFTWERK, I LOVE IT! It's almost a genre of it's own (Kraftwerk clones). Groups like Komputer, Kraftwelt, & Konsumer keep the spirit alive of Kraftwerk. A spirit that even recently Kraftwerk themselves have a hard time keeping alive. It's wonderful hearing an album like this. I will forever be on a quest to find groups who bring this sound into the future, and this album is definately one of the best, if not THE BEST to do it. Komputer's second album completely abandoned their style that is found on this album. I hope one day they read this and realize that they need to go back to making this beautiful music."

Keeping the spirit alive

0=0 | Earth | 06/15/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After recently seeing Kraftwerk live I've been listening to their music a whole lot lately, as well as music of a similar style. Komputer's "World of Tomorrow " should appeal to fans of the German music pioneers, though I think many of them might reject this release mainly due to their placing them on a pedastal. It's a shame too, because thisis truly an enjoyable and nicely put together release. Don't miss this one if you are into the Kraftwerk or early new wave sound, or electronica in general."