Possessed

Entertainment Weekly - "...[Kraftwerk's] mechanized dance songs receive unironic treatment. Oddly enough, the combination of Balanescu warmth and Kraftwerk iciness works..." - Rating: B Alternative Press - "...This London-based quartet melds classicism and modernity with complete clarity and control of their craft...not only highlights the brilliance of Kraftwerk, but also the acute ability of this four-piece..." NME - "...Balanescu has altered the very nature of Kraftwerk--injecting flesh and blood, evoking warmth, passion and feeling where only industry and technology had previously operated..." Q - 3 Stars - Good - "...a selection of Kraftwerk covers offers the pleasant frisson of recognizing the familiar in an unfamiliar setting...wring[s] out a certain Schubertian romanticism..." Musician - "...Alexander Balanescu and his mates make some interesting points about the music, using its mechanical mannerisms to highlight the songs' implied romanticism..."

Although there are three original compositions, including the title track, featured here, the majority of Possessed is made up of string quartet remakes of Kraftwerk songs. Given that the precision of the German electronic band's songs bear no small resemblance to Baroque classicism, the Balanescu Quartet needs to do little to make their covers work than to play them straight. ~ Jason Ankeny|