What makes As Is by Nitzer Ebb notable?

The EP reinforced Nitzer Ebb's status within the electronic music landscape, receiving positive reviews for its innovative approach. It charted well in various dance music charts and was notable for its fusion of aggressive rhythms and melodic elements, which would resonate with emerging artists in the techno scene. As Is is Nitzer Ebb's third EP, released in January 1991, following their breakthrough album, Belief. By this time, they had established themselves as key players in the electronic body music scene, transitioning into a more refined sound that would influence the techno genre.

How many songs are on As Is?

As Is has 4 tracks, running approximately 19 minutes.

As Is

Nitzer Ebb · 1991

19 min · 4 tracks · techno

Pulsating beats intertwine with aggressive vocals, creating an industrial soundscape that defines the essence of early 90s electronic body music.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Family Man — This track showcases the band's signature blend of hypnotic beats and commanding vocals, encapsulating the raw energy that characterizes the EP.
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Lovesick — Featuring a compelling groove and emotionally charged lyrics, this song exemplifies Nitzer Ebb's ability to merge intensity with vulnerability.
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Come Alive — An expansive track that builds tension through pulsating synths and driving percussion, representing a peak in their evolving sound during this era.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

54 /100

Foothills

Higher than 43% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases a strong rhythmic foundation with aggressive vocals, characteristic of early 90s electronic body music.

What we noticed

The EP features four tracks, each built around a driving, repetitive beat that maintains a consistent tempo throughout.
Vocals are delivered in an aggressive style, often layered with effects that blend into the industrial soundscape rather than standing out distinctly.
Each track employs minimal melodic variation, focusing instead on rhythmic intensity and textural depth to create an immersive experience.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Family Man 3:56
2 Lovesick 4:00
3 Come Alive 6:12
4 Higher 5:49

What to play next

Listen next

Big Hit

1995

Go back to

Ebbhead

1991

Full Nitzer Ebb discography Artists like Nitzer Ebb

electronic body music techno

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata