With Pohlitz, percussionist Thomas Stronen (Stronen & Storlokken and Food) sets out to create a percussion record without the use of any drums. Instead he has chosen to take on the gamelan; which is either a daunting task or a drummer's playground depending how you look at it. What Stronen creates is far from traditional Balinese or Javanese gamelan music, but is without doubt an awesome record, one that should be recognized as one of the best 'exploratory' releases of the year. His blending of a highly traditional collection of instruments and technology makes for a listening experience that will have the hairs on the back of your neck standing. That said; Pohlitz is a somewhat difficult record to settle in with. Its essentially a recording of one artist banging away on gamelans (typically they are played with a number of musicians depending on the size) creating a song structure that is not well suited to casual listening, but once you're there you'll remain with the sound until the album is done. 8/10 -- Chris Jacques (27 June, 2006)