Search - Hakan Libdo :: Tech Coulture

Servus, Mr. Lidbo.

Balazs Bognar | Boston, MA | 09/01/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Hailing from Sweden, Mr. Hakan Lidbo is one of the most prolific composers in electronic music today, with work spanning from deep, cutting-edge tech house, to quirky abstract experiments, to sound track collaborations, to cheesy, glitzy pop. Though Lidbo releases more tracks in a year than most do in a lifetime, his records are highly in demand, most of which are top quality (of note are Lidbo's 12" releases on Germany's Force Tracks label).Tech Couture, released on Steve Bug's Poker Flat Recordings, is a glistening package of slick tech house grooves and minimal, whimsical funk, suitable more for the dancefloor, or for "adventurous" home listening. Though this album could be considered serious music, Lidbo has never been one to take himself overly seriously, always maintaining an element of tongue-in-cheek across the spectrum of twelve tracks. Dangerously wiggly bass-lines ("Kiki de Montparnasse," "Coming Clean," and "Missing Link") are infused with a swing usually reserved for funk music, as well as assorted clicks, pops, and strange noises. The album is a nice introduction for those not usually accustomed to Lidbo's more experimental leanings, as each track is both ear- and floor-friendly, with occasional rich (if sparse) chords ("Bilingual", "Rochelle Rochelle," and "Shift Service"). Though none of the tracks stand out from the others, the music is consistently of high quality, and of carefully crafted production. This is an album for those looking for an introduction to the world of Lidbo--crisp tech house with just the right amount of wobble."