james dean brown

Hypnobeat – Forbidden Plant [AD005]

hipodrome, , , , , , Leave a comment

This latest collection for Artificial Dance comprises three freshly unearthed iterations coming from Hypnobeat. Spearheaded by James Dean Brown (also known from Perlon’s Narcotic Syntax) and Victor Sol, and featuring other rotating members, Hypnobeat is a true product of the open-ended spirit of DIY music that proliferated in the 1980s. The prescient project championed deft, machine-powered rhythm programming as its modus operandi long before the practice would become a dominant global cultural form. Since Hypnobeat was revived in 2012 with Helena Hauff joining JDB on stage for improvised live performances based on one 707 and three 808s, there have been a string of archival releases shining a light on the early and more recently recorded works of this forward-thinking venture.

listen

Hypnobeat – Forbidden Plant [AD005]

Hypnobeat – Prototech [DE179]

hipodrome, , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Amongst those that keep track of these things, German trio Hyonobeat are considered proto-techno pioneers. While it’s not known whether Detroit’s Belleville Three were fans, you could argue that Hynobeat’s rhythm-focused approach pre-dated both techno and Chicago house. Thanks to this fine retrospective from Dark Entries, you can judge for yourself. The material included was all recorded between 1983 and 1986, with the wild, off-kilter polyrhythms and ragged TB-303 lines of “The Arumbeya Fetish”, mutant electro of “Kilian” and high-octane thrust of the decidedly out-there “Mission in Congo” standing out. Remarkably, Hypnobeat would chain together drum machines and bass synthesizers to create their tracks – a practice that would later become common during the acid house era.

listen

Hypnobeat – Prototech [DE179]

Shinoby Vs Hypnobeat – All Things Pass Into The Night [ITW004]

hipodrome, , , , , , , Leave a comment

Driven by the common 80’s DIY-attitude, the 4th Is The Way release happens to be a cooperation for an absolute one-side vinyl, Shinoby vs Hypnobeat (James Dean Brown + Helena Hauff). The one-track (9:19min) is rooted in the concept of a ‘neo-tribal’ approach; compressing electronics into an emotional, hypnotic and rhythmic core. The energy and the emotional impact of polyrhythms and the track turned out to be centered around the inimitable sound of the Roland TR-808 plus a wide range of analogues gear including up to eight synchronized rhythm machines

listen

Shinoby Vs Hypnobeat – All Things Pass Into The Night [ITW004]