[The Gym]

If you don’t already know the names, nota bene: this three-man acoustic techno team is one part Paul Frick (classically trained musician cum dance music producer) and two parts Scott (aka Dan Brandt and Jan Brauer). After only a handful of releases — all noteworthy — the hubbub surrounding this trio means that each new addition will be met with great expectations. Here, although their self-recorded acoustic sounds are ripe for the picking, the group falls slightly short of their soulful reputation.

“Wallah” begins with stabs of Frick’s characteristic prepared piano, dirty and out-of-tune. Clackety percussion trickles in and around the twinkles before warm chords emerge. After watching the video for “Bop,” it’s hard not to picture the band’s hands as each element appears. On the flip, “Button” starts more mysteriously, a Les Baxter-esque adventure into an exotic village. Fitted with sexy echoes twisting through a loose and lurid soundscape, the B-side’s slink better embodies the allure of BBF’s unplugged mentality. Though there’s much to love in this jaunt into more typical house territory, I suspect the group has far more to offer on their upcoming full length, due in March on Tartelet Records. Their dedication to organic sound could very well put them ahead, but only if they can deliver on the promise. Talk of a 12-man ensemble for their live performance is certainly enticing. Despite the understatement of this release, these three have much to be proud of, including their Berghain performance for the Club Contemporary Classical festival, and a mention of their video on Kanye’s blog), and we have at least two more reasons to anticipate all they have in store. I only hope Frick saves a few of the prime cuts for his own imprint.