Stefan Betke is the master-mind behind the music of Pole. Pole's origins go back to 1996 when Stefan dropped his "Walldorf 4-Pole Filter" into water. This filter then began to generate random unpredictable crackles when used to make music. Pole maximized this effect in the past while creating experimental minimalism, dub and uniquely interesting off-centre futuristic glitchy techno music. His music is real with an emphasis on subtleness, pause and barely audible low-end frequencies. With his new release called "pole" Stefan travels back to his roots and surprises everyone with a real drastic change in sound. Instead of minimalist experimental dub or bubbly cracks and clicks he goes back into time bringing forth a retro techno sound immersed in a Hip Hop format. This is definite Hip Hop without traveling too far from being funky, percussive and organic. Fort the first time Pole's music has vocals. Ohio based rapper Fat John's additions are direct, daring and could easily stand up to that of any notable Hip Hop artist of today. This is a great album, however, if you have enjoyed the past quiet side of Pole this may take a bit of getting used to. But really, what have you got to loose? It's new, interesting and it takes real balls to change your sound 360 degrees without any cares of consequence. He is really into this new stuff, and by listening you can hear how into it he really is...

By anne sulikowski
Aug 16, 2003