Sometimes it's not my only fault if I miss to listen some release, but sometimes unusual formats or music, such as the one chosen for this lovely EP can be the source of this unforgivable form of forgetfulness (a 3" cd that my cat used as a toy, before I found it in its basket of toys!). Siegmar Fricke's "Farmateque EP" is a testament to the artist's longstanding love affair with the experimental fringes of electronic music. This collection of unreleased tracks from 1999, recently unearthed and remastered by Klappstuhl Records, feels like stepping into a sonic time capsule. It's an EP that doesn't just ask for your attention; it demands it, with a sly wink and a nod to its own audacity.

The opening track, "Farmateque 1," sets the tone with its meticulous layering of rhythmic pulses and abstract noises. It’s as if Fricke invites you to a dance party where the only rule is that the beat must remain elusive. The textures are dense and the atmosphere is both nostalgic (some experimental outputs of late 90ies from Northern European experimental techno scene such as Brain Pilot or Zen Paradox can pop up to some seasoned listeners) and oddly futuristic, a fine line that Fricke navigates with the ease of a seasoned sonic explorer.

"Farmateque 2" and "Farmateque 3" continue this journey, each building on the last with increasingly complex arrangements. The tracks are rich with the kind of intricate electronic details that audiophiles will appreciate: glitchy loops, resonant drones, and a smattering of what can only be described as electronic bleeps and bloops. It’s a soundscape that is at once chaotic and meticulously controlled, a delightful irony that seems to be Fricke’s signature.

The final track, "Farmateque 4," is perhaps the most intriguing. It’s a sprawling, hypnotic piece that feels like it could go on forever, and you almost wish it would. The rhythms here are more pronounced, almost teasing at the idea of a conventional structure, but never quite committing. It’s a fitting end and the perfect stylistic hook to the important past of its author — Siegmar is active since the beginning of the 80ies in the international electronic music scene — to an EP that revels in its own unpredictability.

From a technical standpoint, "Farmateque EP" is a masterclass in the use of vintage electronic equipment. The remastering process has brought out the nuances of the original recordings, giving them a clarity that enhances their complexity. Fricke’s use of analog synthesis and early digital effects creates a unique sound palette that is both timeless and refreshingly raw.

In conclusion, "Farmateque EP" is a fascinating slice of electronic history, brought to life by Siegmar Fricke’s deft hand. It’s an EP that celebrates the experimental, the unconventional, and the wonderfully weird. For fans of electronic music, it’s a must-listen—a reminder of the genre’s endless potential for innovation and surprise.