In 1999, Kraftwerk released their first new song in 13 years. A year later comes along the remixes EP of the same track. Given the pedigree of Kraftwerks legendary status, the original Kraftwerk versions proved at the same time retro and futuristic, so the remixes were sent out a select few: Orbital, Underground Resistance.

The Orbital mix bears closest resemblance to the original track, more of a rhythmic overhaul than anything else, mainly as the original Kraftwerk mix was very Orbital-esque in its production. So taking a leaf out of the Orbital remix of the Golden Girls (“Kinetic”), the rhythmic overhaul is truly an improvement on the original, making the track the fast paced sleek techno monster it could always have been. The succession of remixes continue to deviate further and further from the original, heading into deep underground territory; deeper and deeper into minimal techno courtesy of DJ Rolando, and then no less than 3 remixes from the ultra-reclusive Detroit crew Underground Resistance, which continue to delve further and further away from the original into abstract minimalist techno with only a vocoded sample so you know its still the same track...

Well, having taken a full year for the remixes to come out, indicative of the usual glacial workrate of Kraftwerk , its disappointing, but only because of the huge expectations that accompany any new Kraftwerk material. However, behind this mystique, is a sleek, smooth, streamlined techno beast, though however much of Kraftwerks’ own work remains is debatable. Though only available on expensive import , and unlikely to receive a UK release, its worth checking out if you get the chance.