Berlin's Contriva developed from a somewhat derivative post-rock band to an electronic pop band with an identity all their own. Formed in the mid-'90s, the group initially came together as a trio, comprising drummer Hanns Lehmann, bassist Masha Qrella, and guitarist Max Punktezahl. In 1997, the group gained keyboardist Rike Schuberty, and at this point made a conscious move toward incorporating the structures of pop songs into their material. After several low-key releases through singles and compilations, Tell Me When, their first full-length, was released in 2000. The next year saw the release of 8 Eyes (1996-1999), a two-disc package on Monika of their hard-to-find releases and several remixes from the likes of Jan Jelinek, Superpitcher, Tom Thiel, and J. Burger. Burger's remix of the group's "Next Time" was also a highlight of the excellent 2001 compilation Teil 1, the first release on the Leichtes Hören label. ~ Andy Kellman