detroit

VA: Viewpoints Chapter One

This first compilation on Arne Weinberg’s label is a wonderful introduction to overlooked artists crafting techno in the Detroit style.
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Apr 23, 2008 in Reviews: Techno

Robert Hood: Fabric 39

It’s been a while since I’ve reviewed a DJ mix. Robert Hood should need no introduction. He collaborated with Mike Banks and Jeff Mills on the first Underground Resistance and Axis releases, then founded M-Plant in 1994 to focus on minimal techno. Fourteen years later, minimalism is finally mainstream in club-land.
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Mar 14, 2008 in Reviews: Techno

Theo Parrish: Sound Sculptures Volume 1

There’s no doubt this double CD is a major work and an intense listen. Theo Parrish’s deep house tracks range from sweet vocals and soulful instrumentals to gritty, repetitive loops.
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Mar 3, 2008 in Reviews: House

Mike Huckaby: My Life With The Wave

Mike Huckaby reinforces the connection between intelligent Detroit techno and deep dub techno on a 12-inch so good it hurts. On “Wavetable No. 9” Waldorf Wave synthesizer notes are pushed to oozing decay under a cascade of Basic Channel metallic echo. The beat remains crisp while layer upon layer builds. It takes a couple of minutes until the bass joins, growling with menace.
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Jan 6, 2008 in Reviews: Techno

Jason Fine: EP 01

These days in techno what’s old is new again, with scores of records echoing sounds fifteen years past. On the one hand, there’s a rebirth of dub techno. On the other, there’s a revival of the intelligent Detroit style. Think Juan Atkins at his most melodic combined with John Beltran and Terrace. (The main labels along this line are AW-Recordings, Down Low, Frantic Flowers and Millions of Moments/Styrax.)
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Dec 10, 2007 in Reviews: Techno

Terrence Dixon: Train of Thought

A flawed work, but one with several moments of genius.
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Sep 20, 2007 in Reviews: Techno

Urban Tribe: Authorized Clinical Trials

Ingram is a Detroit techno legend. His second full-length spans bass-heavy electro to downtempo braindance.
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Jun 15, 2006 in Reviews: Techno

Oasis (Omar-S/Shadow Ray): Album II

For the past couple of years, Omar-S has issued an amazing series of 12-inches on his own Detroit label, FXHE.
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Mar 12, 2006 in Reviews: House

Juan Atkins: 20 Years Metroplex: 1985-2005

An essential release.
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Aug 19, 2005 in Reviews: Techno

Kenny Larkin: Azimuth

Kenny Larkin: Azimuth...
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Oct 19, 1997 in Reviews: Techno