Some time ago, some frontman for some then up- and- coming band was quoted as saying something like this: "If I were starting out as a musician, I would buy a sampler, not an electric guitar. Samplers are the future!" An interesting statement from a man seemingly oblivious to that thing called hip-hop.

Not that Score by German instrumental group Village of Savoonga really has anything to do with said as- yet- unremembered fallen pop star. Like rap's early pioneers, however, these crafty individuals have realized the sonic possibilities of incorporating samplers in the songwriting process (as opposed to tacking on movie sound bites to your riffage... but I digress).

The first track, "Helicopter Song," features a heart-vibrating drone that slowly develops into sparse, yet intricate interplay between guitars, bass, drums and vaguely-recognizable sampled found sounds. Score also uses the sampled irregular beat as a springboard to clattery, yet rhythmically intriguing drum beats. "SCORE" (yes, that's the same title in capital letters, and we'll leave it to you to judge its pretentiousness) allows the sampler to guide the song into a melodically rich, swelling drone.

As a result of such tinkering, Score is a veritable feast of nonspecific free-association opportunities, which allow one to pad one's commentary. Alternately beautiful and sinister, Village of Savoonga conjures images of machinery of an urban landscape under the grip of creepy modernity. Think of giant rusty cogs slowly collapsing in abandoned factories and you will understand this band's... how do you say... schtick.

As far as schticks go, it works quite well. Village of Savoonga will rank high on this year's list of "good albums from bands you've never heard of." One can only hope that the "you've never heard of" suffix is quickly deleted.

-Samir Khan