Album Review: Klasse Für Elektroakustische Komposition Universität Für Musik Und Darstellende Kunst Wien (2006)
Alright, buckle up, because this one’s a wild ride. Klasse Für Elektroakustische Komposition Universität Für Musik Und Darstellende Kunst Wien—try saying that five times fast—is an experimental electronic album by Various artists out of Austria. Released in 2006 on no label (yep, “Not on Label”), it's like someone took the chaotic energy of Vienna’s summer heat and shoved it into a synthesizer. The result? A sonic collage that feels equal parts avant-garde art project and late-night headphone trip.
Now, let’s dive into two tracks that stuck with me like gum on a hot sidewalk. First up: "Sommerhitze In Wien." Oh man, if you’ve ever been to Vienna in July, this track nails it. It’s got these sweltering drones layered over what sounds like distorted cicadas having a meltdown. You can almost feel your forehead sweat just listening to it. I mean, who knew oppressive humidity could sound so... intentional? This isn’t background music; it’s more like foreground chaos. But weirdly enough, it works. Like, really works. By the end, you’re not sure whether you need sunscreen or therapy—but hey, that’s the magic of experimental electronica for ya.
Then there’s "French Mirror," which is basically the musical equivalent of staring at yourself after three espressos. It starts off all smooth and reflective, but then BAM!—it glitches harder than your grandma trying to use Zoom. There are these glitchy stutters and warped melodies that make you question reality—or at least wonder if your speakers are haunted. Honestly, it’s the kind of track that makes you go, “Wait, did I leave the oven on?” And yet, somehow, it’s oddly satisfying. Like when you accidentally spill coffee on your shirt but realize it kinda looks cool.
The rest of the album follows suit—tracks like "Die Fleckenviehschlachtungsresulotion Von 1756 Und Ihre Auslegung Im Nanotechnischen Zeitalter" (yes, that’s its actual title) and "Poquecommusisilation" keep things delightfully unpredictable. Some moments are meditative, others abrasive, and a few just straight-up bonkers. It’s like flipping through channels on a TV from an alternate dimension where Kraftwerk decided to get existential.
So here’s the thing about Klasse Für Elektroakustische Komposition Universität Für Musik Und Darstellende Kunst Wien: it’s not for everyone. If you’re looking for catchy hooks or sing-along lyrics, you’re barking up the wrong Wiener Schnitzel. But if you dig abstract soundscapes that mess with your brain in the best way possible, give this a spin. Just don’t blame me if you start hearing cicadas in your dreams.
Final thought: Listening to this album feels like attending a lecture on quantum physics while slightly tipsy—it’s confusing as hell, but also strangely fascinating. Also, whoever named these tracks clearly had fun doing it. Big respect.
