If you have visions, you should please go to the doctor, Germany's former chancellor and long-time number one world commentator, Helmut Schmidt, once proclaimed. The Leipzig label Altin Village & Mine, which has been a hotbed of experimental electronic music for over 20 years, refuses to go to the doctor, but with its new compilation "Free/Future/Music" nevertheless dares to look beyond the horizon of the bleak present.

One can only say: Fortunately! Because, as usual, you will find a sound that is firmly anchored in the present, but at the same time implies an idea of what the music of the future could sound like - cosmic, eclectic, groovy and definitely danceable. It is difficult to single out individual tracks in view of the density of quality to be found here: from the trippy "Passaporte" by HJirok to the electronic-swinging "Funken" by Teichmann + Soehne and the voluptuous "Mexico" by Kalme + Map.ache, the compilation is peppered with highlights.

It remains to be said: If "Free/Future/Music" really were a foretaste of all that is to come - we certainly need not be afraid.

Luca Glenzer