Dark and pounding techno alternates with moments of respite through softer, more melodic tracks in this compilation from the Sheffield, UK-based Dust Science run by Black Dog.
Anthony Child, also known as Surgeon, kicks off the album with the dark, ambient, ring-modulated track, “You Know I love You,” and Detroit Rocket Science eases into the beatier tracks on the rest of the album with its downtempo thumper, “Babymaker.” Onmutu Mechanics combines the sensibilities of the two previous tracks with the ultra-dark contribution that would be perfect for an Evil Dead game soundtrack, “Ancient Rites.”
In contrast, Quantazelle’s “Mental Zilch King” combines a pretty, if melancholy, melody played on synthesized bells with gritty, glitchy beats. DNCN take a grittier approach to minimal techno by combining microsampled vocals with an LFO bassline and crunchy flourishes. Fabrice Lig’s “Access Denied” keeps the dark flavor of the album but interprets it Detroit style with a clipped, sparse minor bassline punctuated by a freeform open hihat.
Overall it’s a cohesive collection with just enough variation to keep it interesting, along with some tracks that are sure to be dancefloor punishers.
Tracklist with download links & reviews:
“Anthony Child better know as the mighty Surgeon, who we feel is one of the most consistently brilliant (and under-rated) players in electronic music scence. “Youknowiloveyou†is sheer, head-screwing dark twisted and full of weirdness track but still very listenable even if it’s uncomfortable, just how we like it.” - Dust Science
“…The next few tracks are rather gorgeous in their twisted ambient way, and very special.From the big synthetic noises of the awkwardly-named Onmutu Mechanicks, to the beautiful piano and glitched beats of Quantazelle, via the unusual Philip Glass-esque repetition of iPassenger that invokes all manner of harmony and calm, despite the stop-start nature of the melody.” - ireallovemusic.co.uk
“‘[Fabrice Lig’s] Access Denied’ is a surging, swinging, darkside monster that’s relentlessly tricky and funky. The Detroit pads are seriously tripped out and swamped in glitchy beats and stepping hi-hats, and there’s some serious low end; it’s a hell of a track. Regis and Female are responsible for some of the best UK techno ever made.” - Forced Exposure
“Closing at the top of the speedometer is Carl Taylor’s “Scanner”, here in it’s Auteform mix. It’s an awesome full-fat techno monster and will pulverize your head on the dance floor.” -Dust Science
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