XI Versions of Black Noise is 11 different reworkings of tracks off German electro artist Pantha du Prince’s album Black Noise. Four Tet, Animal Collective, Hieroglyphic Being, and others all contributed efforts to the album which despite the differing styles of the musicians coming into the project produced a steady electro groove similar to deep trance and Brazilian chillout genres of electronic music. Four Tet’s version of “Stick to My Side” is a real powerhouse of an electro track, while Animal Collective’s rendition of “Welt am Draht” is a real sonic stretching of everything Animal Collective has ever performed. Everything flows together into a brilliant piece of electronica.

XI Versions is not going to be everyone’s favorite album. The heavy electronic feel can be off-putting to listeners who think techno is a dirty word. But for anyone willing to stretch their minds, XI Versions is a stunning piece of electro beauty.

(Rough Trade Records, 66 Golborne Road, London W10 5PS UK)