Multi-instrumentalists Richard Dorfmeister and Rupert Huber make up Tosca. They first met in their Vienna schooldays where they began experimenting with tape machines, Indian music, and poetry lyrics, under the name of Dehli9. After school, Dorfmeister and Huber went their separate ways: Dorfmeister began producing and Dj-ing with Peter Kruder, and Huber worked in the experimental music scene. The duo rediscovered their musical chemistry again with their Tosca debut in 1994, their first 12", entitled "Chocolate Elvis", on Kruder and Dorfmeister's G-Stone Recordings.

No Hassle is the duo’s new album, which is filled with an array of analogue and digital sounds, submerged samples and live instruments. The title, No Hassle, reflects their laid back approach to making music and also on their whole philosophy of life.

One of my favourites songs on this album was track 3, 'Springer', it has a dark edgy feel about it, the melody is good and the use of the guitar mixes well with the edgy feel of the song.

The intro to 'Birthday', track 4, is very dark, with the use of synth. and bass but this quickly changes to a med. tempo cheeky little number with the sound of the guitar being used playfully. I like the female vocals on this track which also make it feel light-hearted.

The ghostly intro of a piano on track 6,' Joe Si Ha', sets the mood for a Mexican desert sound. This is mixed with percussion, electronica and of course the use of the guitar. This track gives you the impression of the burning sun in a hot, dry desert. Not sure if I like it or find it quite strange.

Finally, the last track I want to comment on is 'Rosa', track 9. It uses a very simple, slow beat and a mix of percussion with electronica entwined within, add to this the bass guitar and there you have a track to relax and unwind to.

The rest of the tracks on this album are pretty much the same, light, chilled out with a mix of guitar, electonica and percussion.

This album certainly lives up to its title; there is no hassle involved with the listening of it. It’s easy on the ears, cool, sophisticated and very much laid back.

7

Helena Rea