Double review for Lyon, France-based Concrete Collage with releases by Beatwife (Ronaldsey) and Droid Eater (Bipolar Outflow). Learn more about extremely digestible poppy (Rephlex-styled) beats and old-school breakbeat acid techno.
Beatwife :: Ronaldsey
Richard Wilson (aka Beatwife) takes his trademark manic percussion and puts it firmly in the back seat, or maybe in an entirely different vehicle this time. What you’ll find here for beats are intricate but extremely digestible—and dare I say—poppy beats. Catchy, generally upbeat, often evoking unexpected emotions with some of its more inspired melodies, this album is a big departure from the usual. Intentional or not, there is an unmistakable Rephlex feeling here, this would have fit perfectly there—but with a unique weird feeling that only Earl Rongvald can bring.
Droid Eater :: Bipolar Outflow
Another unexpected treasure, this album (released in September, 2018) truly seems to have its roots in classic acid breakbeat techno, however, to just call it acid techno isn’t really doing it justice when often tracks which start out as a simple bassline over a breakbeat grow into surprising emotional depths. There’s a large variety of styles, each taking its influence from a different school of acid, adding a slightly cheeky break to it and taking it wherever it may lead. I think fans of old-school rave would enjoy this as well as the chill-out crew—there’s something here for both, usually in the same track.
