Since 2004 the Viennese band, elektro guzzi, have been performing live-improvised electronic music to hoards of dance enthusiasts across Europe. The concept of the band proves subversive through the very fact that they are essentially a ‘techno tanzband’ and thus they immediately challenge common preconceptions of how techno can be performed live. The musicians produce effervescent analogue sounds through guitar, bass and drums that are additionally processed by a dubbing engineer. However, what sets them apart is their stimulating performative element in juxtaposition to the actual sound that is created- their explosive visual energy, more familiar to that of a rock band, is uniquely combined with the gritty minimal beats more common to a techno dj’s set. But, there is no hiding behind the booth for this band; no computers containing prepared material. Each set is entirely improvised and resplendently unique due to the electric interaction with the crowd, and of course, the tantalizing interplay between the four performers themselves. One never knows what to expect at an elektro guzzi rave; anything and everything can happen during the time they are on stage- the only thing that is guaranteed is a quickening of the pulse and extreme dance pleasure!
