Different approaches to live, modular madness is the theme for Five Minutes to Self-Destruct. Eighty percent of the album is eclectic, almost danceable electronic music recorded earlier this year, and the last twenty percent is older, a lot darker, and showcases another side to CEL. Opening the EP, we're treated to "Krakenwaltz," an interesting groove based on 5/8 polyrhythm utilizing drums and varied synthesizers. The complex rhythm mixed with the synths almost gives a progressive rock feel, except CEL takes this much further. They let their rhythms lead the way and stop them from coalescing into something expected, keeping the listener on their toes while following along with the brain-tickling beat. "Eskalacja" moves in more of a chiptune-esque direction, a bit more bleeps and bloops than the prior track, but still reined in enough to avoid self-indulgence. Strong video game vibes run throughout, but the highlight here is the propulsive and energetic drumming that blasts forth about halfway through the track, bringing our pixelated hero to their ultimate goal. Switching gears midway through the EP, CEL drops their oldest track on the recording, 2020's "Blauer Dunst" from the Warsaw Avant Art Festival. A dark, spacy soundscape, this gives the listener a respite from the upbeat dancey synthesis to focus more on the darker side of the duo. There are no drums on this one, and while they're definitely a highlight of the EP, the straight up synth and effects recording is a really great piece and an excellent inclusion to the record. The B side to Five Minutes to Self-Destruct starts off with "Neustart Generation," where the duo is joined by BONHOFER 5 speaking his political poetry over a pretty fun drum and synth groove. However, the vocals tend to be a bit distracting in the space of this EP, and this piece is the lowlight of the release. "Five Minutes to Self-Destruct" closes out the release, built around a tense synth sequence that eventually breaks into some of the classic CEL we've heard earlier. The drums and synths propel forward and add much depth to the track and EP as a whole.

 

CEL's latest EP, Five Minutes to Self-Destruct, is a great selection of live recordings, all recorded beautifully and given a great mix. If you weren't able to make these live performances, this EP is the next best thing. Putting the listener at the front, this great sounding EP is fun and energetic, but also serious and thoughtful. Eschewing the draw of modular noodling, the duo make a very purposeful drum and synth electronic album with their unreleased live tracks. To check it out