non standard institute is the partnership of Tobias Freund (Tobias.) and Max Loderbauer (of Sun Electric), and if you know these names, you will know to expect only the unexpected from their collaborative productions. On recordings for Cadenza, Sähkö and Freund's own non standard productions label, they have ranged from convulsive experimentation to ultra-minimal techno, from test-tone fugues to electro-acoustic improvisation involving piano and live electronic processing. And the recordings are only half the story: while nsi.'s live performances are scarce, owing to the intimidating heft of the duo's expansive setup, they have been equally non-standard affairs, examples of the true potential of live electronic performance, rather than Ableton-aided experiences in playback.