Otto von Schirach
El Golpe Avisa

THE REVIEW

Released in 2003 by Rice And Beans (a division of the radical Beta Bodega), "El Golpe Avisa" represents yet another great release for Otto Von Schirach, who proves to maintain very high standards both in EP format and albums, reintroducing for the occasion that experimental hip-hop that had already characterized the split with the Plastic Phantom People.

Opening this 12'' is a remix of the main track, "Beta Bodega (La Guerra)": an unusual choice, but one that pays off well. Indeed, the work by Seth P. Brundel is definitely commendable, featuring a classic NY style beat, behind which visionary ambient riffs loom large. Following the usual acapella and instrumental versions, Otto manages to do even better with the original, which boasts android and futuristic beats, the now classic and delirious atonal riffs between cartoon and avant-garde, as well as the essential spoken word of miami bass origin. Excellent "Banana Trouble" (which with DSP massacres, spasmodic sounds, and digital waste strongly recalls what was heard on "Escalo Frio"), whereas the distorted "Allahkazam" thrives on vertiginous bass and industrial beats that are fertile ground for DJ Asma's schizophrenic scratching. The jewel, however, is the phenomenal "Bankrobber", one of the first examples of 'glitch hop', where a massive beat of snare and bass drum is followed by a series of electronic/idm digressions based on unusual sound, noise, heavy cut and paste, and not least, the programmed defacement of the legendary MPC, Otto's faithful travel companion, who is known to use it more as a generator of random noise rather than purely for beat/sampling.

Undoubtedly, a successful experiment, and not surprisingly, the project will later involve other activists from the Beta Bodega circle, taking on the guise of "El Santo".