FPU

FPU is best known for their 2002 cover of the synth classic "Crockett's Theme". They do a good job working with that ice-cold new millennium style. Their cover was very influential in the early electroclash scene and helped introduced a whole new generation to a quintessential television show of the '80s. 2002 suddenly seems like a long time ago, but FPU's cover still sounds fresh.

The man behind the project was Swede Peter Benisch. Judging from his discogs profile and the other alias he used he was active in the late '90s and early '00s but hasn't done much after FPU's releases. It's a shame.

Little did I know that Mr. Benisch/FPU also released just one full length album of material in 2003 called Traxxdata, which includes "Crockett's Theme". I immediately grabbed this, expecting a whole album of gems in the vein of Jan Hammer. I was initially terribly disappointed, but upon re-listening tonight I've definitely appreciated the album more now. FPU was only paying homage to a synth great with their cover. They had no intention of replicating the formula over and over. Instead, the rest of Traxxdata is edgy alterna-technoid beats more along the lines of Aphex Twin and CFCF. There are no overtly retro moments here, although some songs are definitely in the best spirit of new wave. Some songs also have the overused vocoder, a slight misstep, but it works within the songs.

Benisch betrays his heritage with sounds as fitting of the snowbanks of Scandinavia as they are of Miami Beach. Everything is cool and slick but never simplistic. Highlights include "You Don't Pay My Bills", "Time Safari" and "Eastside Protection", the latter two which were extra tracks on the Crockett's Theme single.

I highly recommend adding this forgotten release to your collection. It's a great document of the early neo electro era from a mysterious talent we may never hear from again.