Brandt Brauer Frick Ensemble

When live techno trio Brandt Brauer Frick first began making waves in 2009, their often-electrifying live performances showcased a set of musicians in full control. They had a touch of theatricality, a taste for improvisation and a dynamic presence that made them rewarding to discover. Barely two years later, the trio have blossomed into the ten-piece Brandt Brauer Frick Ensemble for their sophomore album, Mr. Machine. With a full range of instrumentation at their disposal, the dexterously musical Mr. Machine often attains the cinematic grandeur of a vintage John Barry soundtrack, as filtered through the imagination and leftfield house of Matthew Herbert. The results are lush, moody, deeply textured and always alluring. With such a wide range of players, the Ensemble can also alternate easily out of lockstep and into shaded, beat-less territory, which helps the album cohere into a seamless experience. An orchestra with a wide palette suits Brandt Brauer Frick's ambitions well. Mr. Machine is a vivid, memorable listening experience.