I first came across of Function via a mix released by Ostgut about 2 years ago. This mix was to me, the definitive sound of Berghain. It had a lasting impression over me at the time, more so than Dettmann, Klock or even Fengler.
I don’t know why. Perhaps it was something about the way these tracks have been curated and mixed:

Function – Berghain 07

Through the sound of Function, I was introduced to the world of David Sumner and Sandwell District, Regis, the Synewave label, and new current obsessions with Silent Servant and Vatican Shadow. Function’s brand of techno has grit, it has soul, it moves between light and dark, at times it can get deep, with just the right level of ambient to keep it authentically atmospheric.

These are productions that can be club-ready and yet, capable of being contemplative. They are timeless.

function-re-compiled2

And so when Ostgut’s sublabel A-Ton released two archival compilations of his, it felt rude to ignore them.

Function – F4

Function – Reykjavik

Function – F3

Function – Descending (Edit)

Titled I/II and II/II these compilations include familiar tracks from his 2013 debut Incubation, Synewave’s important 1996 SW24 release F(Q): Function Of Bandwidth, stuff via Sandwell District and other early releases, as well as several edits, live versions and previously unreleased tracks.

Essential. Especially on vinyl.

Buy here. These should also still be available at all good record stores.