Amazon.comOn Beanfield's impressive self-titled debut, this German trio reaches back to push their music forward. The history they recall is, not surprisingly, the rich tradition of German electronic music--groups the likes of Can, Neu!, Faust, and Kraftwerk. Beanfield allow their grooves to slowly build on a foundation of old-school synth, groovy stereo effects, and laid-back dub rhythms. They also add a few modern updates: a lightly placed sampler, an occasional layer of drum & bass, the odd breakbeat thrown in to keep things interesting. What finally shakes out of this record is a batch of songs that are sly and sophisticated but also funky and familiar. --S. Duda