Okay, see if you can follow along: Minus’ new min2MAX compilation has been released across three formats. There is a 12-track CD, a 10-track triple-LP set (available only in a limited edition featuring a Matthew Hawtin art print), and this four-cut “Extension” single, featuring two cuts featured on the CD release (but not the LP), and two cuts unavailable elsewhere. Got that? Good. Now, outside of the value to completists, this single actually works better than the longer formats, which suffer from a bit too much similarity between the tracks. Minus veteran Niederflur’s “z.B” sounds a bit lost in the context of the CD, but given the spotlight here, its glitchy, poppy, ping-pongy goodness shines through. Ditto for Berg Nixon’s “Victoria Station,” already a highlight of the CD version, but standing alone, the bendy/bouncy riff sticks harder. Of the two exclusives, False (Matthew Dear) is the winner, as his “Bathe” sees him strip things to popping percussion and echoing keyboard stabs to great effect. The other, Barem’s “Opal,” bounces along on an analog riff and quick-snapping drums. Sadly, this means yes, you do need to buy this. We’re such easy targets, aren’t we?

M_nus / MINUS 40 X
[Todd Hutlock]