In the tradition of minimalist electronic weirdos Pan Sonic and Oval, Pole-- his friends call him Stefan Betke-- takes everyday found- sound stuff and turns it into music. But here's the difference: While Pan Sonic create using mainly analog keyboards and Oval creates by messing around with scratched-up and maimed compact discs, Pole doesn't seem to stick to any particular method. Instead, Betke will work with any sound that seems right for his song. As a result, his music is slightly less predictable than the stuff released by his contemporaries.

And somehow, it's still predictable. For one thing, when you've made it half way through CD 1's second track, "Fragen," it becomes frighteningly apparent that this record isn't actually gonna go anywhere. And guess what? It doesn't! Okay, and you knew that.

But there's also a very interesting aspect to Pole's music. See, I just moved onto a major cross-street in Chicago, and there's always shit going on-- cars going by, busses squealing to a halt, people screaming, TVs blaring, the faint thumping of bass- heavy dance music from the next apartment, furniture being moved outside, people playing baseball in the street, the steam heater coming on... The introduction of Pole's music into this environment, especially at a low volume, is barely noticable-- it presents itself in an almost subconscious manner. However, there's a subtle hustle- and- bustle kind of feel to these songs that seem to add to your energy level. So, unless you're one of those freaky army fatigue- wearin' kids with greasy blond hair and a penchant for the drum track on "Warm Leatherette," I'm not sure this is something you'll be compelled to listen to on a regular basis.

-Ryan Schreiber