Astrud, composed of lead vocalist and guitarist Manolo Martinez and keyboardist/programmer Genis, have been revered as "the techno-pop hope of Barcelona." Think of them as a Spanish Air, or as Stereolab minus the chicks.

These two weave an intriguing techno tapestry with as much pep and fizz as a summer soda. "No Estaria Mal No Tener Que Saber Que es lo Que Va a Pasar" (try saying that one five times, fast!) lends the six-track EP a festive, loungy touch, while the lively sound effects of "Superman" are all over the map in pitch. Martinez gets bilingual wit' it, crooning in both Spanish and English over computer whiz Genis' blips, bleeps and samples. The twosome also strikes a deft balance between the modern and the retro; Martinez' acoustic guitar is never overwhelmed by Genis' electronic elements, and the beats, while speedy, are never too loud or hard.

With a mellow acoustic guitar track layered over a subtle series of electronic samples snaking their way through the song "Normal," the record becomes subdued, even a tad melancholy. It's a timorous "you are here" point on the busy Astrud map. But "Last Time" guides the listener back into a joyous reverie, after which "Lemongirl" pokes affectionate fun at a friend who thinks Evan Dando and his bandmates are all that and a bucket of chicken. All catchy kitsch and fun, Vitra Center makes an ideal soundtrack for the kickback days of summer.

-Susan Moll