by Andy Kellman
Thomas Brinkmann's Ernst series of 12& releases is compiled for Rosa. The tracks for the series were each named after females, with each side devoted to one name. Beginning with &Anna&/&Beate& and concluding with &Yvette&/&Zora,& each release ran alphabetically. However, Q and R were skipped; Q wound up being a record bag and R eventually turned up as this CD. Rosa is comprised of 12 tracks, meaning this is really more of a sampler than a true compilation. Despite all of this mind-bending, Rosa is a surefire introduction to Brinkmann's own compositions (as opposed to his variations on Mike Ink and Richie Hawtin productions), containing minimal techno that ranges from sessile Basic Channel-minded dub experimentalism to funkier tracks that resemble his Soul Center works, albeit without the funk and soul samples. No two tracks truly sound alike, and with the exception of one or two selections, Rosa is devoid of a boring moment. Once again, Brinkmann doesn't allow his intellect to get in the way of a good time.