DJ Koze Kosi Comes Around

• Words: Luciana Lopez
• Label: Kompakt
• XLR8R Rating: /10

There‘s a fine line between using studio technology well and getting too knob-happy. German Stefan Kozalla-a.k.a. DJ Koze-mostly keeps on the right side on his debut artist album, but occasionally sticks a toe too far out. "Don‘t Feed the Cat," for one, would have been better if he‘d reined himself in a bit, and "Chiminea" comes off maudlin. But overall, the minimalist tech-house here-whether emphasizing artificial sounds or ruthlessly manipulated natural ones-works. The highlight is the already-released "Brutalga Square," with its amazingly danceable little cymbals, but other tracks show promise for future albums.