Kraftwerk
Tour De France

Campus Correspondent CD review by Andy Argyrakis,
Campus Correspondent coordinator

Considering Kraftwerk’s latest studio CD Tour De France (EMI) released in 2003, the technological possibilities were expanded and the ensuring production is arguably the electronic act’s strongest to date. By this point in the group’s career, everyone from U2 to David Bowie, New Order and Depeche Mode gave the gang its just due, officially placing the pioneers in the elder statesmen category.

The results may not be as revolutionary as the sounds to come out of now classic ‘70s recordings, but Kraftwerk again had its finger on the pulse of timely trends while invoking a timeless quality to its vibrant and explosive electronica aura. In keeping with the theme of racing bikes, this iPod-friendly mix of fast and fierce pulsations is energy-personified, gradually escalating with the three part title track suite. Additional examples of computer programming on steroids include the mighty “Vitamin” and even tougher “Titanium,” once again pointing to a speedier side of Kraftwerk that’s thankfully just as sweet.