dubtechno
Deepchord: Vantage Isle Sessions
While I wasn’t blown away by the vinyl release of this a year ago, the CD version has grown on me, especially since it makes great driving music. The other day on an afternoon trip to Albuquerque, I cranked up these mixes, and the combination of road noise and puttering chords was perfect.May 1, 2008 in Reviews: Techno
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.Apr 23, 2008 in Reviews: Techno
Aaron Carl: "Crucified"
This 12-inch came out a couple of months ago, but it’s too good to skip covering. The original track, by Aaron Carl, is deep house originally released on Mike Banks’ Soul City label in 1996.Apr 20, 2008 in Reviews: Techno
VA: Depth Perceptions Vol. 1
Despite the recent glut of dub techno records, it seems I still can’t get enough of the sound. This compilation is the first release on Detroit-area Pronounce Records. Most of the artists are new to me, but they have all perfected the art of crafting deep tracks with reverberating chords and slow, heavy bass.Apr 17, 2008 in Reviews: Techno
Rod Modell: Incense & Blacklight
In my opinion, Rod Modell has come a long way since his ambient days. Incense & Blacklight contains some of his best tracks to date, even as he explores cold, uneasy territory.Feb 8, 2008 in Reviews: Electronica
Bvdub
Bvdub is Brock Van Wey from San Francisco. In just the past year, he has had releases on Styrax Records, Quietus Records, Night Drive Music and its sub-label 2600 Records. While much of his music could be called dub techno, it has deeper roots, delving into emotional chords, retro synths, and late-night ambience. Brock was kind enough to join me for an interview over email.Jan 19, 2008 in Features: Interviews
Murmur: Undertone
At first blush, Murmur’s Undertone seems promising. It begins with simulated surface noise and dub techno chords. But after repeated listens, the tracks are revealed to be dry, computerized minimalism.Jan 15, 2008 in Reviews: Techno
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.Jan 6, 2008 in Reviews: Techno
Fortune8
Fortune8’s nearly simultaneous release of six limited-edition 12-inches (in three colors each, including the test pressings) may mark the beginning of the end of the colored vinyl collecting fad. The first rule of playing the supply and demand game is don’t flood the market. That said, there are some good tracks here, alongside a few that sound rather familiar.Dec 13, 2007 in Reviews: Techno
Deepchord presents Echospace: The Coldest Season
An alien world where the oceans contain waves of hissing static.Sep 12, 2007 in Reviews: Techno
Echospace: The Coldest Season Volume 1
A lot noisier than most Deepchord records.May 19, 2007 in Reviews: Techno
Quantec: Subsurface Structure EP
Dubby techno... enjoyable throughout.May 11, 2007 in Reviews: Techno
Yard: Northern Cedar EP
This digital-only EP is a teaser for Yard’s upcoming album.Apr 22, 2007 in Reviews: Electronica
Deepchord: HR-01
The tastiest Berlin-style dub around, and it’s from Detroit.Jan 17, 2007 in Reviews: Techno
Various: Shitkatapult Empfiehlt
The one common thread? Talent!Oct 15, 2006 in Reviews: Electronica
Blamstrain: Disfold
The most atmospheric techno I’ve heard since Chain Reaction was active.Oct 9, 2006 in Reviews: Electronica
Rhythm & Sound: See Mi Yah Remixes
Despite the big names, these mixes are hit or miss.Jun 13, 2006 in Reviews: Techno
Sustainer: Cuantico
Could share a shelf with Basic Channel 12"s.May 31, 2003 in Reviews: Techno
Rhythm & Sound: "Aground"
Rhythm & Sound: “Aground”...Oct 8, 2002 in Reviews: Techno
Octex: Idei Lahesna
Octex: Idei Lahesna...Sep 29, 2002 in Reviews: Techno
Scion: Arrange and Process Basic Channel Tracks
Scion: Arrange and Process Basic Channel Tracks...Jun 26, 2002 in Reviews: Techno
Various: Tehnika 1
Various: Tehnika 1...Dec 7, 2001 in Reviews: Techno
