Arguably, the late 80s-mid-90s were the heyday for innovative, aggressive techno, at least setting the groundwork for the variations on a theme that have followed.
Of course, some of this will sound like amped up or rehashed Ministry, or OMD; electronica is not immune to the wide variety of quality among its artists. But the best electronic music, like the best in general, is powerful, poetic, scary and uplifting. That variety is evident on “Electronic Saviors 2,” the sequel to the massive classic assembled by promoter and DJ Jim Semonik, which he envisioned as a much needed and appreciated charity vehicle for cancer research, Semonik himself being a cancer survivor.
Good intentions aside, the music is what counts here, and it counts plenty. Over 100 artists contributed new and rare tracks for this six CD monster, and the best of these would stand out among a twenty disc lineup. Among the highlights are Cancerface’s infernal “Tumor Curbjob,” a fat outrageous riff with gritty transgressive lyrics that are believable, Edge Of Dawn’s “Lucid Dreams (Standeg Remix),” which could also have been called lush dreams, minimal dreams, or trance dreams, because that is the effect of this surreal track, and “Burn (Father Dub Mix)” by 16Volt, subversive for an almost Beatlesque pop underneath the plodding industrial cruelty. 23 Rainy Days, N.T.T, Tenek and Die Sektor also offer massive memorable tracks.
Like its predecessor, “Electronic Saviors 2: Recurrence” ought to bring in significant money for cancer research, and for that alone this is a must have. But, over the course of six discs, there is enough exclusive and often great music to be had. Owning this will benefit you and so many more.
