With their debut album Patent Pending, the Dutch duo Behringer Escape Plan introduces listeners to a sonic adventure that challenges conventions and embraces spontaneity. Composed of keyboard player/producer Sander Notenbaert and drummer/producer Boy van Ooijen, the group hails from Haarlem, Netherlands, and their deep-rooted synergy shines throughout this nine-track exploration of breakbeat, drum’n’bass, and dubstep. The result is a record that feels alive, unpolished, and unapologetically experimental.
The album opens with “MS-1,” a track that immediately immerses you in Behringer Escape Plan’s intricate world of rhythm and sound design. The interplay between the analog synthesizers and acoustic drums establishes a driving energy, with layers of glitchy effects and sharp basslines propelling the track forward. It’s a fitting introduction to an album that thrives on contrasts—precision versus chaos, old-school electronic influences versus cutting-edge production techniques.
Throughout the album, the duo’s mastery of rhythm and groove takes center stage. Tracks like “Model D” and “Metal Zone” showcase their ability to craft complex breakbeats that feel organic yet meticulously arranged. The basslines here deserve special mention; they’re both thunderous and fluid, commanding attention while never overshadowing the broader sonic landscape. On “Xenyx802,” the duo dives into a dubstep-inspired structure with a wobbling, distorted bass that feels like a throwback to early 2000s dubstep, yet with their own raw, live-performance twist.
Synth textures are another hallmark of Patent Pending. Whether it’s the shimmering, almost crystalline tones of “Diamond Dome DD610” or the chaotic, metallic soundscapes of “TD-3-MO-SR,” the duo’s attention to detail is remarkable. Each track offers something distinct, creating a sense of progression and discovery as the album unfolds. The synth work is at its most hypnotic on “Flow 8,” a mid-tempo track that blends lush arpeggios with subtly evolving drum patterns.
The atmosphere of Patent Pending is one of controlled unpredictability. This is no surprise, given Behringer Escape Plan’s embrace of imperfections and their reliance on live, single-take recordings. The result is an album that feels raw and immediate, almost as if the listener is present in their Haarlem studio during the sessions. The quirks and imperfections are not flaws but rather integral elements of the duo’s creative philosophy, lending the album a deeply human touch.
What truly sets Patent Pending apart is its ability to create a cohesive yet diverse listening experience. Tracks like “NOX101” dive headfirst into frenetic drum’n’bass territory, while others, such as “FBQ100,” slow the tempo, exploring abstract IDM-inspired textures. Yet, despite these stylistic shifts, the album never loses its sense of identity.
Patent Pending is a testament to Behringer Escape Plan’s innovative spirit and technical prowess. By intertwining analog and digital tools, and by rejecting the rigid constraints of traditional production, the duo has crafted an album that feels refreshingly authentic and forward-thinking. Their willingness to embrace spontaneity, imperfections, and live performance dynamics makes this release stand out in an often overly polished electronic music landscape.
With this debut, Behringer Escape Plan has established themselves as bold innovators, and Patent Pending is an electrifying introduction to their world. Whether you’re a fan of breakbeat, dubstep, or simply boundary-pushing electronic music, this album demands to be heard. We’re thrilled to host this review on our webzine, and we’re certain that this is only the beginning for this extraordinary duo.