Ben Mono Hit The Bit CD

Ben Mono, a Munich-based DJ, producer, remixer and multi-instrumentalist, has dubbed his music "bit-hop" -- a variation on the minimal techno sounds that continue to hold sway in his native region. To that familiar groove he adds elements of funk, electronica, hip-hop and even the occasional dash of '80s pop, and the result is quite a lot of fun. On his sophomore effort, he makes a few missteps: the "Intro" track is, like all such tracks, a complete waste of time (who needs to hear a minute-and-a-half of hype about an album we've already purchased, thanks), and whenever vocalist Jemeni pops in with her silly poetry it takes a mighty effort to build the momentum back up again. But Mono does it every time, and the high points greatly outnumber the low ones: the slow, squidgy, vocoder-laden electro-funk of "Binary Poetry" is one of the album's highlights, as are the rhythmically complex (though lyrically banal) "Listen" (featuring Capitol A), the glitchy and jittery "Midnight Sun" (featuring Jason Todd) and the very fun title track (featuring Yo Majesty). Very nice. ~ Rick Anderson

Personnel: Eddie Ruleclean, Shane Fontane, Kerry L. Dooley (vocals).