Perfectionist comprehensive Techno compilation coming from the Ben Klock collective. Dance music of the highest calibre, from a collection of artists who have truly crafted a neat and elegant vision of techno music. There’s a mixture of old and new faces all coming together to showcase the sound they’ve been so close to over the years: Etapp Kyle, Jon Hester, Sterac, DVS1, Trevino, Heiko Laux, Ritzi Lee, Adam Craft and others.
As with his previous releases Etapp Kyle captures his playful, multi-layered Techno endeavours with single-word track titles: Continuum EP starts off with Opto, an atmospheric track with fazing bleeps, ensouled synths and subdued claps – a prime example of his great feel for musical detail. Ahora builds upon this vibe with more asynchronous drum patterns, well placed drips of melody, distant pulses, mesmerizing pads and hints of rattles amongst other percussion. The EPs title track Continuum is distinctive through its use of industrial hammer jabs and reduced, puzzling synth pads that are counteracted by a more dominant, steady and stubborn kick drum. Limb contrasts unconventional pulsating, hypnotic synth tones with sharp claps and snare sounds, and rounds off this 12“ of all new, puristic and futurist Techno, catering as much to the darker corners as to the brightest spots of the dance floor.
The young Ukrainian producer follows his debut on Ben Klock’s label with this innovative, unusual techno record. “Axiom” is reminiscent somewhat of DVS1, with its meaty bass snaking its way through an insistent, minimal groove. By contrast, “Sakura” resounds to microscopic beats and hypnotic, tonal bleeps. It’s just as subtle as “Axiom”, but far more understated. This proves to be a temporary diversion however, and straight afterwards, he drops “Lyrae”. Tight claps, insistent pulses and bristling percussion make for a functional but distinctive dance floor track. Last and possibly best of all is “Luna”. Its melancholic bass and windswept, mysterious melodies make for a beautiful, unexpected end to this release.
Part six of the Nonnative Series featuring Par Grindvik, Adriana Lopez, Etapp Kyle & Israel Vines.
Klockworks celebrates its tenth release by introducing Ukrainian artist Etapp Kyle to the label. It’s the young producer’s first vinyl offering and it’s likely he’ll enjoy a similar spotlight of exposure to that of DVS1 did he debuted on Ben Klock’s imprint. The title track “Astra” sees melodic arpeggios bleep over a solid four-four kick drum as a 909 drum machine is used percussively as much as it is atmospherically. Kyle keeps things tonal in “Drama” adding a subtle dubby edge, while “Aurora” sounds like a chime-filled take of Ben Klock’s most defining tracks “Pulse” and “Subzero”. Kyle caps his homage to Berghain’s most famous DJ with more sweet blips and tough-loving drums that are surrounded by a crackling ambience in “Prizma”.
