This is progressive acid music. I don't see why so many people have a problem with that. If you want Chicago 1986 then buy a TRAX record.

A fitting tribute to Pete Namlook

I am waiting for the remix LP too

I trust Hawtin's quality control and producer's skills more than any (discogs) reviewer's grizzle.

Finally some melody.

After cautiously buying this album after its mixed reception that cane with some unfair comments and un-just reviews! I'm glad to say it was a worthy purchase. I do really like this album! EX is a album that atmospherically & musically sits somewhere in-between Musik, From Within, and Consumed. Influences from these albums can be heard across sections of EX - a good thing for those who prefer the deeper subconscious moods in minimal techno. Probably best approached to be listened as a whole rather then skipping or fast-forwarding tracks, only then you will fully absorb the albums moods, development, and atmospheric creation, Developed around a minimalism techno concept with some excellent use of absorbing atmospheres that manage to blend both cold and warm moods. Plastikman's classic sound & style of stripped down addictive Kick-drum/ 4/4 drum machine programming, sparse low-key sub-bass rhythms, hypnotic deep pulses and low-key synth manipulating approach to his techno and acid loops are all here executed with Plastikman's hallmark with his analogue minimal equipment approach! 'Ex' is both minimalistic and dark sounding, yet also quiet harmonizing with a sense of deep engaging depth too. Music that at times can feel provoking with its feeling of isolation due to its dense claustrophobic atmospheres, yet also at times quiet mind stimulating with ts minimal warmer analogue sounds and the hypnotic-harmony in his synth patterns and loops. This certainly is a combination of deep, dark, & a thoughtful formula that work incredibly well as a whole. For me, 'EX', did feel more a studio album, rather then recorded `Live', which in honesty would never thought of being recorded live if not mentioned! 'Ex' remains a worthy album that certainly should not be ignored or simply judged because of some of the 'hop-on bandwagon' over critical reviewers have decided to slate the album. This is music with quality giving you an absorbing journey into the classic Plastikman minimal signature sound music - the reason we buy Plastikman music! Yet also delivers the goods in atmospherrs & moods to great effect making this a worthy purchase.

Absolutely agree; for me this album does not warrant the harsh criticism it's gotten. It may not be his finest work, but how can this release be called awful, by any standards? It's a gorgeous exercise in deep, acidic techno as only Hawtin can do it, recalling his glory days. Thank you for mentioning From Within, too -- the melodicism found in that project is evident here, as is his early more melodic efforts as FUSE. I've always preferred this side of him to his aggressive, repetitive percussive work, so this album captures that essence nicely.

"Ex" is a fine Album, not so good as "Consumed" or "closer" but better than "sheet one", "Musik" ,"Plastik recycled" and "Artifakts BC".This is a good example how Plastikman sound should have begin in its career. This Album has several good melodys and it doesn´t sound to much acid or noisy, it can be stimulating for imagination without addictions. Its a experience lived in a dark and sci-fi world. This release should have more time music though, and then again it does not contain the same variety of expressions and geniality as "Consumed" or "Closer". "Exhale" track sounds like a resume of Plastikman History, hopefully not a end to its career .I hope There will be more upcoming Plastikman Albums.

hello all, first of don t be put off by these negative reviews, this is a really good album and having listened and brought most releases of Richie Hawtin, Plastikman all i can say is they dont know what there talking about.Theres a lot more of F.U.S.E in this album and the production s a lot slicker. Also you have to remember that this was recorded as part of a live show, and the show is a multi media affair so your only getting the music not visuals or any other stuff given away at gigs.THIS IS NOT A STUDIO ALBUM, So another really good Plastikman album that fits relly well with the progression of this artist.