DRMCNT :: Jin & Tronix (Mighty Robot)

It’s interesting to hear an artist like DRMCNT, one who bleeds various genre types together into a caustic concoction.

Mighty Robot Recordings has been one of the stalwarts of Glasgow electronics. The west of Scotland label has been quiet for the last few years, going into silent running since 2010. But now the robots return with a new EP. DRMCNT is a new kid on the block, gaining some acclaim last year with his Gangsigns release. For the Glaswegians this fledgling artist offers up five tracks for Jin & Tronix.

The difficult to define “Default Strip” opens. Dub elements are present, dense compressions and hollowed distortion, but an Acid line descends to cut through the forest of bass. The moodiness of “Para Signal” follows, 707 claps combining with more 303 action for a contemporary take on the Chicago sound. The heavy samples of “Superbomb” is less inspiring, clichéd samples looping to little. “Skinner,” on the other hand, comes from a much more interesting place. A squalid 90s melody melds with beats and an energy to fill floors. DRMCNT’s acid moments are accomplished, the use of the 303 being nothing new but his coiling chords definitely having an old school ability to them. The finale, “Sarkism,” being emblematic of this—twisted lines from the monosynth contorting to the finish.

Many genres of electronic music are going through a spell of pastiche, especially House. It’s interesting to hear an artist like DRMCNT, one who bleeds various genre types together into a caustic concoction. Some of it works, some of it doesn’t, but at least it’s got an individualism to it.

Jin & Tronix is available on Might Robot.