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.
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Author: Jacob Arnold
Autechre: Quaristice
Autechre’s first album in nearly three years will probably take nearly that long to sink in, but my first impression is pure pleasure.
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Bvdub Interview
Brock Van Wey.
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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.
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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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Bvdub: Daydreams of Exile
Bvdub sprang on the dub techno scene last year with two excellent digital EPs courtesy of Night Drive Music/2600 Records and one 12-inch on Styax. Now he kicks off Quietus Recordings with a limited-edition CD-R. The EP is ambient, reminiscent of early Gas or of Rod Modell’s recent Silentes efforts.
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Various: Basic Replay
In recent years, the duo behind Basic Channel have turned their attention to re-issuing rare and overlooked reggae.
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2007 Top 10
10 albums, 10 EPs, 10 reissues
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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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Newworldaquarium: The Dead Bears
This incredible album from the mysterious Dutch producer Jochem Peteri shows it’s still possible to craft a completely unique sound. Peteri bucks the trend of cookie-cutter dub techno. A couple of his tracks sound like old house records pitched down underwater.
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