In favor of rhythm, Der Plan's quirky pop sensibility is pushed to the background on their second full-length Normalette Surprise. Twenty years ahead of its time, it incorporates clipped beats that predate electro by a year or two. Inspired by artists such as Kraftwerk, Der Plan creates some of the earliest examples of experimental electronic pop music. Der Plan's sound is assisted by Mike Ink who would later release music on labels such as Profan, Mille Plateaux, and Warp Records. Normalette Surprise is a record in sore need of rediscovery, with its innovative use of synthetic percussion that sounds remarkably fresh in light of contemporary electronic music. Often confused as a 12" single, due to one side spinning at 45 rpm, Normalette Surprise is considered their second full-length. Reissued on CD with Geri Reig in 1996 by Ata Tak. ~ Peter Schaefer, All Music Guide
