The three Danish musicians otherwise known as Future 3 (Thomas Knak, Anders Remmer, and Jesper Skaaning) debuted their System project with a self-titled album of minimalist experimental dub tracks in 2002. Released by Pole's ~scape label, the album didn't reach the cult status of, say, Jan Jelinek's Loop-finding-jazz-records, but it remains an under-the-radar gem, highly recommended to anyone who appreciates crunchy micro-beats and washed-out echoes. One of the album's admirers was Nils Frahm, who included a System track on his 2015 LateNightTales mix. For System's third album, Plus, the trio collaborated with Frahm, building atmospheric accompaniment around his serene keyboard improvisations. Initially, the group wanted to revisit the clicks'n'cuts aesthetic of System's debut, but as the album took shape, it was clear that they were on to something else. The dub influence is still present, but it's less overt, and while the rhythms are still minimal, they aren't as glitchy. The musicians masterfully blend soothing ambient waves with static hisses and measured distortion, and much clearer, more sparkling melodies than their past albums. It's generally relaxing, but it's never a safe, predictable exercise in prettiness. There's a bit of a disconnect to tracks like "Open" and "Minus" that makes the release challenging, but not in an off-putting way. The album's concluding ten-minute title track is profoundly lovely, looping female vocals along with vast, flowing piano melodies and a miniscule, clipping rhythm toward the end. Truly sublime, Plus is System's most mature work, and an effortless collaboration with master pianist Frahm. ~ Paul Simpson, Rovi

1		Open (with Nils Frahm)
2		Drift (with Nils Frahm)
3		Gebiet (with Nils Frahm)
4		Piste (with Nils Frahm)
5		Stille (with Nils Frahm)
6		Minus (with Nils Frahm)
7		Add (with Nils Frahm)
8		Frem (with Nils Frahm)
9		Plus (with Nils Frahm)

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