Operating out of Stockholm, Joacim Thenander is a veteran of computer-based composition, with roots stretching back to the industrial synth outfit Systema The Affliction in the late 1980s. Under his Maschine Brennt moniker, he continues to prove why the Nordic electro scene remains a powerhouse of innovation and technical discipline.
The title track, Digital Detox, opens with an arpeggio that initially feels like a nod to classic New Beat, yet it quickly evolves into something more structured and refined. The “Kraftwerkian” influence is evident through the use of robotic digital vocals and a meticulously crafted atmosphere, all held together by a rock-solid rhythmic section.
The second track, Man or Machine (00001100), is a fascinating piece of production. The intro evokes the nostalgic aesthetic of an 80s home computing programme, setting a playful yet clinical tone. Interestingly, Thenander opts for a “four-to-the-floor” kick drum here rather than the syncopated percussion usually found in electro, giving it a more direct, dance-orientated energy. However, the interplay between the bassline and those signature synth lines keeps the track firmly rooted in the electro genre. It is a superb addition to his discography and another strong showing for Swedish electronic music.