Album Review: Application by Navid & Kauffelt
Released in 1996 on the German label Aural Satisfaction, Application is a gem for fans of electronic music, blending raw techno and electro with a vibe that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking. Written by Andreas Kauffelt and Navid, this album doesn’t mess around—it’s pure, unfiltered energy from start to finish. If you’re into tracks that pulse with mechanical precision while still having soul, this one's worth your time.
One track that sticks out is “Application I.” It kicks off with this hypnotic beat that just grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go. The bassline is deep enough to rattle your chest but clean enough to keep things sharp. There’s something about how the synths swirl in the background—chaotic yet controlled—that makes it unforgettable. You can tell these guys weren’t just throwing sounds together; they had a vision. It’s the kind of track that could light up a dark warehouse or soundtrack a late-night drive when you need to clear your head.
Another standout is “Free Sex.” Don’t get too excited by the title—it’s not some sleazy club anthem. Instead, it’s got this gritty, industrial edge that feels almost rebellious. The percussion hits hard, like someone took a sledgehammer to a steel drum, and the melody sneaks in subtly, creeping up on you before taking over completely. It’s weirdly addictive, the sort of thing you’d play twice in a row without realizing it.
What makes Application special isn’t just its sound—it’s the attitude behind it. This was 1996 Germany, a time when electronic music was breaking new ground every day, and Navid & Kauffelt clearly wanted to push boundaries. They didn’t care about trends; they cared about making something that felt alive. Listening to this now, decades later, it still feels fresh, like it hasn’t aged a day.
Funny enough, the tracklist itself feels a little chaotic—“Application I,” “Application 1,” “Application II”? Was this intentional? A joke? Who knows. But somehow, it adds to the charm. Maybe they were just messing with us, or maybe they knew exactly what they were doing all along.
In the end, Application reminds you why electronic music mattered back then—and why it still does today. It’s not perfect, sure, but perfection’s boring anyway. What it lacks in polish, it makes up for in heart. Geile Scheiße, as they say in Germany.
