Speculation Domino * * *

To Rococo Rot have impressive standards. Eight albums and one collaborative release on, the Berlin trio are still capable of subtle shape-shifting within their grooves. While usually lauded for taking a detached approach, there are moments here when Stefan Schneider and the Lippok brothers bend and twist with the waves. On Forwardness, for instance, the usual calm digital precision and electronic abstraction gives way to a lively, evocative pulse – as if some Krautrock punks have taken over the robotic machines. Elsewhere, it's when the trio blur the lines between electronic curiosity and natural restraint that Speculationtruly jumps out of its skin, with both the glotchy, twitchy drama of Steeleand the sprawling wash of Fridaysstanding tall in this regard. While there's nothing here to frighten the horses, there is enough to suggest that To Rococo Rot are still thinking beyond the box. See myspace. com/torococorot

Download tracks: Forwardness