AK/DK - Shared Particles (LP)

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Even when artists say they they've discovered who they are on their latest record, it doesn't really work that way. You never stop striving to discover more about yourself - that's just being human; and it's something that two-headed electronic rock party outfit AK/DK understand. As Ed Chivers and Graham Sowerby announce the release of their third album Shared Particles, it's what makes the dual drums and synth pairing such an exciting prospect.

Shared Particles propels itself relentlessly forwards, thrusting onwards in pursuit of a finish point that may never come. The two-piece have always loved the motorik of the '70s like Kraftwerk and Can, bands that revelled in the journey as much as the destination. They also describe themselves as "like a chunkier Devo" - and, yes, there's a warmth to the textures of their music from the modular synths and other self-built pedals in their set up, while there's a driving rhythmic constancy too.

AK/DK aren't re-imagining the past though; tracks like opener Feeds or the bouncy hooks of Data Beach are a dive forwards, with dirty synths whirring around percussion that threatens to punch itself out of the speakers. Or there's the title track, more frenetic still in its squalling feedback and breakneck pace, the duo setting it towards orbit with a hefty dollop of mind-melting psychedelia. As anyone who's seen their high-octane live show might suspect, the challenge for Chivers and Sowerby is squeezing all of that sweat-drenched energy of a packed club onto record.

"We really wanted to combine the two elements of the band on this record, both live improvisations and more studio based songwriting" they explain. "What we really miss in the studio is the live audience and we've definitely tried to capture the spirit of our stage shows and the ebb and flow of the energy in the room, whilst still putting together songs and ideas."

- LP