For me, Its a curious time to revisit this part of Kraftwerk's discography that initially didn't appeal. Having learned more about hardware and sound design, I now have the ears to better identity their waveform techniques and synthesis in action. It doesn't alleviate a stiffness in this early Electronic music that well and truly comes loose on Trans-Europe Express. Here we get glimmers of melodic magic that overcomes the records conceptual nature. Songs like Radioactivity, Airwaves and Ohm Sweet Ohm bring on rhythm to deliver expressive leads and bright chord arrangements with classic Kraftwerk charm. It does however feel like a smaller portion of what's on offer.
The rest of the record dabbles in sadly dated experimentation. Vocoders and synthetic oddities litter shorter tracks, serving a thematic vision. Radioactivity and the Nuclear age are spun into electronic soundscapes and atmospheres with success, one better received at the time I would imagine. Still, with context, Radio-Activity carries a charm and novelty that feels stuck in the past. Its mostly the vocoded sections that rest as a focal point, no longer as intriguing fifty years later. Despite this blemish, its been riveting to unearth and immerse oneself in that era, hearing pioneers explore fresh terrain. Most delightful of all, the spectacular sounds pushing hardware boundaries.
Rating: 6/10