Customer Reviews

World of Tomorrow

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4 star:		(1)
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"Underwater cities, giant hovercraft, (something factories), trips to the stars... THE WORLD OF TOMORROW" are the introductory lines of the first track, continuing on into colonies on Mars, flying cars, "Jetson"-like walkways (remember those?), among other things, a typical glimpse into the future -- what we expected to 50 or 60 years ago to be happening "later on in the 90's", at least. Like a Jules Verne or Ray Bradbury novel, Komputer's "The World of Tomorrow" provides a glimpse into a future we will probably never see. Yet most of the futuristic imagery is not in the lyrics (the song "World of Tomorrow" could be just about the only 'sci-fi' song in here), but rather the sound.

While it may sound as if Komputer is "ripping off" the traditional executions of Kraftwerk, few critics of Komputer's music see the truly unique half of the music.

All of the music, of course, is entirely electronic, vocoders making frequent appearances (and possibly a Moog or two were used), especially prevalent "Bill Gates", a parody of Kraftwerk's "The Man Machine", where a robotic voice repeats "Bill Gates, Bill Gates, Bill Gates" , resulting in something rather entertaining.

This album does have its many fine points, too. Some of the music in the songs -- Valentina, Terminus, Looking Down On London, and especially The Perfect Pop Band -- remind me of semi-early video game music, usually the buzzing, bleeping, sawtoothing chip music that would get stuck in your head if that game was especially addicting and imaginative. So, for me at least, Komputer's chippy, Moogy, distant rhythms and primitive yet effective textures stir some kind of nostalgic thoughts in my head, somehow connecting my imagination to an impossibly futuristic world planted from reading too many sci-fi novels and playing too many sci-fi based video games. That is exactly why I like Komputer.

Komputer's lyrics... that's another story. Some may like their simplicity, others may hate their lack of poetic justice (that isn't to say some of their lyrics have no significant meaning, it's just they're written so badly, in my opinion)

Kraftwerk extremists will probably use this album as a coaster, or burn it as if it were the flag of a hated foreign country. But others (like me) could appreciate this album as a great (yet unorthodox) tribute, a way of keeping Kraftwerk's spirit alive into the following years to come.

Normally when I hear a band totally ripping off another band, it's a turn off. However, when artists are imitating KRAFTWERK, I LOVE IT! It's almost a genre of it's own (Kraftwerk clones). Groups like Komputer, Kraftwelt, & Konsumer keep the spirit alive of Kraftwerk. A spirit that even recently Kraftwerk themselves have a hard time keeping alive. It's wonderful hearing an album like this. I will forever be on a quest to find groups who bring this sound into the future, and this album is definately one of the best, if not THE BEST to do it. Komputer's second album completely abandoned their style that is found on this album. I hope one day they read this and realize that they need to go back to making this beautiful music.

After recently seeing Kraftwerk live I've been listening to their music a whole lot lately, as well as music of a similar style. Komputer's "World of Tomorrow " should appeal to fans of the German music pioneers, though I think many of them might reject this release mainly due to their placing them on a pedastal. It's a shame too, because thisis truly an enjoyable and nicely put together release. Don't miss this one if you are into the Kraftwerk or early new wave sound, or electronica in general.

Komputer builds melodies and audio-backdrops in World of Tommorrow which are cool to the core. There is a kniship with techno king Kraftwerk in that Komputer base their electronic wanderings and machinations on a solid ground of calm, intelligent, reflective intent. The closely studied electronic instrumentation evokes sometimes a dreary Russian landscape circa 1964 (in the song Valentina), the roaring tiger economy of modern southeast Asian (Singapore), but most often surveys the salient features of a very real world that is to come (World of Tommorrow; More Automation; Interminus). Do I like this album so much because it paints a true-to-life image of the way the world is destined to shape up, or because it makes me feel as though I am already there? Ask Bill Gates!

Komputer is what Kraftwerk should still be. Although Kraftwerk is questionably still around, Komputer has, in the meantime, stepped into their shoes and is the heir apparent to the digital throne. Oddly enough, Komputer maintains a modicum of integrity by paying homage without being tacky. They progress the principal of electronica and bring it a step forward into what we would hope Kraftwerk should proceed. It's nice when when Art Imitates Art with the necessary edge to move the idea forward leaving the predecessor behind. It seldom happens, but when it does it's a stark reminder that time moves forward with references to what came before. Komputer is such a rarity in keeping a sense of respect for the necessity of change. I expect Komputer to crash-and-burn fairly quickly simply because they are so obviously relying on the Kraftwerk principal; however, while they are bringing the idea forward, let's appreciatate the good intention of pushing forward while Kraftwerk has obviously stalled in their endevor to keep abreast of their craft.

I have every Kraftwerk album. I have never heard a group represent their style and sound better than Komputer. I wonder if they (Kraftwerk) may have worked on this album?

Simon Leonard and Davis Baker deliver a clubland classic that draws its energy from Kraftwerk and Giorgio Moroder, with a sprinkling of Brian Eno in the mix.

The 13 tracks have some quirky fun - Bill Gates - tongue-in-cheek peeks into the music scene - The Perfect Pop Band, Komputer Pop - and a glance at society from the dance floor - The World of Tomorrow, More Automation, Looking Down on London (Metroland).

This is truly (pop) music, non-stop, with rhythms that will keep the party hopping.

Komputer are Simon Leonard and David Baker. They have been making music together for quite some time. Previous incarnations (I Start Counting, John Came, Fortran 5) were less poppy. It is very unfair to this dynamic duo to compare them to Kraftwerk. It is fair to say, however, that if you like Kraftwerk, you may also like Komputer. These guys are very English, Kraftwerk is very German, and alone atop the electro pedastal, yet both are kick-butt electronic masters.
"World Of Tomorrow" blends Sharp analog sounds with killer beats, sweeping synths, and catchy melodies - yes I said melodies( If you know Simon and David, they don't always feel the need for melody) to concoct one truely beautiful electronic pop album.
Caution; I do use the "term" pop loosely. This is still for that very eclectic electro fan. If this describes you - buy it.

If you like Kraftwerk you'll like Komputer. The lyrics are a bit crude but the keyboard sounds are top notch. A good addition to a techno-Kraftwerk collection.

It's the style of Kraftwerk, but it isn't Kraftwerk. It's better, because they create new songs!