Thing Thang (Integrated Circuits)

• techno
• acid
• Integrated Circuits

In an era where electronic music was still expanding its sonic horizons, Integrated Circuits’ 1994 release, “Thing Thang,” held a distinctive place in the hearts and minds of listeners. Oh, the quaint days of the ’90s, when the internet was just gaining momentum and electronic music was yet to become a household staple! Now, nearly three decades later, we find ourselves revisiting this groundbreaking German release with the same enthusiasm as we did when it first dropped.

“Thing Thang” is a true testament to the diverse and innovative output of its time, when producers were still experimenting and pushing the limits of what was possible with electronic instruments. This album, nestled between the experimental and the mainstream, sits comfortably in Integrated Circuits’ discography, a reflection of their undeniable prowess as producers.

The opening track, “Thing Thang,” runs for a generous 8:01, immediately setting the tone for a journey through sonic landscapes that defy conventional structures. The rhythm and melody intertwine in a mesmerizing dance, creating a sense of timelessness that transcends the genre’s typical boundaries. One might think that an 8-minute track would be excessive, but Integrated Circuits seem to know just how long to keep the listener entranced before moving on to the next aural experience.

“One Eyed Jacks,” the second track on the release, is a slightly shorter 5:40 composition that maintains the captivating allure of its predecessor. The intricate interplay between melody and rhythm creates a hypnotic effect, drawing the listener deeper into the rabbit hole of Integrated Circuits’ sonic universe. It’s a wonder how the producer managed to create such intricate compositions with the limited technology of the time – but then again, that’s what makes the ’90s so endearing, doesn’t it?

“Queens Daughter,” the third and shortest track on the release at 2:10, serves as a respite from the sensory onslaught of the previous two tracks. Its brevity is a testament to the producer’s ability to convey their message without overstaying their welcome. The melody is hauntingly beautiful, as it lingers in the mind long after the track has ended. It’s as if Integrated Circuits were telling us that sometimes, less is indeed more.

On the flip side, we find “Acid Monitor 3,” a 9:24-long behemoth of a track that plunges the listener back into the depths of immersive sonic exploration. The track is a masterclass in the art of acid house, with its relentless basslines and mind-bending synth sequences. Integrated Circuits clearly know their way around a Roland TB-303, as evidenced by the track’s intricate programming and deft manipulation of the iconic synth. One would expect that after almost 10 minutes of acid house, the listener would be left wanting a break, but miraculously, we only find ourselves craving more.

The final track on the release, “Aber,” clocks in at 5:07, bringing the listener back to reality with a soothing, introspective melody that serves as a fitting conclusion to the album. The understated elegance of this track showcases Integrated Circuits’ ability to balance the experimental with the accessible, tying together the various threads of the release into a cohesive whole.

Throughout “Thing Thang,” one cannot help but recognize the influence of electronic music pioneers such as Kraftwerk, Tangerine Dream, and The Orb. Integrated Circuits, with their innovative approach to composition and sound design, effortlessly weave together elements of these influential acts to create a sound that is both an homage and a distinct departure from their predecessors.

“Thing Thang” is not merely an album, but a snapshot of a specific time in electronic music history, a time when experimentation and exploration reigned supreme. The theme of the release seems to revolve around the idea of pushing boundaries and challenging preconceived notions of what electronic music could be. Integrated Circuits, like mad scientists in their laboratory, deftly blend elements of techno, acid house, and ambient music, creating an immersive sonic experience that is both familiar and alien at the same time.

It is ironic, though, that in today’s saturated electronic music landscape, “Thing Thang” still stands out as a unique and innovative release. Perhaps it is a testament to the fact that true artistry is timeless and can withstand the test of time. Or, more likely, it highlights the lack of originality and risk-taking that plagues much of modern electronic music.

As we reflect on the release from today’s perspective, we are reminded of the importance of artistic courage and the willingness to challenge established norms. It is easy to forget that the electronic music we consume today is built on the shoulders of visionaries like Integrated Circuits, who dared to explore uncharted sonic territories and redefine what was possible within the genre.

In revisiting “Thing Thang,” we are also reminded of the unparalleled excitement that surrounded electronic music in the ’90s. The sense of boundless possibility, the feeling that anything could happen, the joy of discovering something new and groundbreaking – these are the hallmarks of an era that has, for better or worse, been replaced by a more formulaic and predictable approach to music production.

As we delve into the intricacies of the release, we cannot help but wonder what Integrated Circuits would have been able to achieve with the technology available today. Perhaps they would have continued to push the envelope, integrating cutting-edge techniques and equipment to create even more ambitious and visionary compositions. Or perhaps, in a twist of fate, they would have found themselves confined by the very advancements that were meant to liberate them.

In the end, “Thing Thang” serves as a reminder that true innovation is not dictated by the tools at our disposal, but by the willingness to embrace the unknown and the courage to defy conventions. It is a call to arms for today’s electronic music producers to rediscover the spirit of exploration that once defined the genre and to boldly venture into the uncharted waters of sonic experimentation.

In a world where electronic music has become increasingly formulaic and predictable, “Thing Thang” is a breath of fresh air, a reminder of what is possible when artists refuse to be constrained by convention. It is a celebration of the pioneering spirit that defined the genre in its infancy, a spirit that is sorely needed in today’s increasingly homogenized musical landscape.

As we come to the end of our journey through “Thing Thang,” we are left with a sense of awe and appreciation for the ingenuity and skill that Integrated Circuits brought to the table. It is a release that defies categorization and challenges our assumptions about what electronic music can be. And so, with a wistful nod to the past and an eye toward the future, we bid farewell to “Thing Thang,” a release that will forever hold a special place in the annals of electronic music history.