Koln, Germany's new-electro duo Third Electric are Gregor Lutterman (Rootpowder) and Andreas Bolz (Bolz Bolz). The pair released stark, minimal, decidedly un-retro-sounding 808-based electro inspired by early German, Detroit, and New York artists. Although they've been involved in two CD releases to date (Electrecord 100, on their own Electrecord label, renamed Electrochord in 1998; and Electrecord 2000, released via Studio K7), most of their material has appeared in 12-inch form at the rate of roughly two or three a year since Electrecord formed in 1995. Though timbrally restrained, tracks such as 1.9.8.3., Tele-Funken and Gentle Beat are anything but simplistic, evolving slowly through intricate rhythmic patterns and ultra-clean, often dark electronic textures. In addition to their Electrecord/Electrochord material, Lutterman and Bolz also released more straightforward techno on their Formic Records label and have contributed tracks to compilations from Science City, Spelunk, and Detroit label Ersatz Audio (home to Le Car). Bolz Bolz also released a number of solo 12-inches, including 32nd Lesson on Ersatz Audio and the Music remix 12-inch on Electrecord/Electrochord sublabel, World. ~ Sean Cooper, Rovi