If you like the sounds of Mathematics, the Crème Organization or just love a decent acid line look no further, you’ve found it.
Lux Records is celebrating three releases. First from the Swiss label was the arse kicking, and I don’t use the term lightly, Rise and Fall of the Machines (Part 1) by Jared Wilson. Next from Cosmo and Faber’s label is CCO aka Contra Communem Opinionem with The Secret Life of a Transistor Bassline, followed recently by dRUMMAN and The Quasar E.P.’ So how have these latest journeys faired up?
Before the new year CCO, aka Florin Büchel, offered up three tracks to wax. He has featured on Jamal Moss’ Mathematics and now brings his brand of 303 techno to Lux. First up on the EP is “Love At The Speed Of Light.” The tempo is low, but there is a definite power in the way Büchel folds squalid acid lines in on one another alongside vintage drum machine beats. A note of acid house is here, embedded in the beats and the whir of the 303. “Pleasure Plug” starts as it means to go on. No nonsense acid from the get go, squirming and shuddering under knob tweaks. The track is dripping in 90s nostalgia, throwing up memories of Djax up Beats or some of the subtler Acid Planet records. To finish off is perhaps my favorite, well it’s been on rotation since it arrived: “Electric Infinite (Part 1 & 2).” The track opens as a wonderfully mellow piece of spacey techno, bringing to mind some early B12. The track breaks to reveal its true face, a juddering acid fueled piece of jacking. This isn’t nose bleed stuff, but a subtle and cleverly constructed piece of house; great track to close on.
dRUMMAN is the alias of Jori Hulkkonen, a prolific Finnish artist with a host of albums and singles on F Communications and Turbo. For this moniker Hulkkonnen has entered the underground.“Endless Galaxy” is an acidified techno fest. The track twists and contorts under pressurized 707 beats and warbling synths. This is not a minimal affair, with a helping of floor jak served up inside. Think along the lines of Detroit and you’re going in the right direction, but there’s a smidgen of a Chicago influence in the rhythmic tendencies.“Stardance” builds in a slow sinister manner, with some deep chords punching through. The track continues on this line, bordering some styles of deep house but still maintaining a club presence. The 12” ends with “White Tie, Black Hole.” The track featured in Intergalactic Gary’s recent mix for Slabs of the Tabernacle. Like its predecessor the track has a lengthy intro, calling on the sounds of nu-house in it hazy notes. However, it is a subdued Detroit note that lies at the core of the piece; a xylophonic keyboard melody adding a sweetness to the dark undercurrents.
I try not to be too forward in saying my likes and dislikes, ah but ya can’t really get away from it here. These two latest from Lux Rec are really excellent EP’s; they have their similarities, but just enough differences to divide. Jared Wilson’s entry for the imprint was outstanding, what has followed is something just as impressive. If you like the sounds of Mathematics, the Crème Organization or just love a decent acid line look no further, you’ve found it.
Both releases above are out now on Lux Rec.
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