Something Not So Ordinary
Kenny Gerchow | Denver CO | 01/23/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"For an artist, the greatest achievement can simply be not being labeled in any specific category. Pole, a.k.a. Stefan Betke, has managed to do just that with his self-titled release on Mute records. A combination of two EP's on Mute, Pole flows with thick beats and mechanical soul throughout the disc. And who would ever expect someone like Fat Jon from the Five Deez, an amazing producer by his own right, to drop lyrics on several of the tracks?! There are elements here that will leave UK dub producers nodding their heads in approval, while gaining respects from techno and hip-hop lovers as well. Music at times is meant to be challenging. This is one of those times, so take advantage of this opportunity. Damn, it's nice to get thrown for a loop once in a while, isn't it?"