(August 2010) For over a year now a Glasgow based label has been releasing electronics with no interest in hype or fades: Diametric. The label is run by Glasgow resident, and German born, Arne Weinberg who has released on the likes of Abstract Forms, Frantic Flowers and Echocord. Weinberg, and his label, have no time for “the rotten and contaminated music industry and its focus on money.” Diametric hope to release artists who focus on “deep soulful techno, electro, house or whatever kind of music fits into their philosophy of passion and not monetary gain.” There are arguably few artists who make it into this publication that are into electronics for financial pursuits, and arguably few electronic artists in the music to make money in general. But nevertheless Diametric’s viewpoint is interesting. The label will not make any of its material available for download either, again bucking recent market trends. Such economic stances and ideologies are admirable, but what is the latest release like? For the label’s forth instalment the mantle is handed over to Ohio based FBK, aka Kevin Kennedy, and The Expert Escapist 12″ EP.
The 12″ marks Kennedy’s first physical release for some time, with his last vinyl EP being over ten years ago. When you put on this record it does have a certain 90’s feel. The burbling bass and beats of “Flying Hybrids” open. As the track develops a lightness begins to descend, with echoing chords, similar to Pub, shifting and moving across the piece. The sound has a Steve Pickton feel to it, but with a deeper more submersed feel. “Hope,” with its dense structure and intricate textures, feels like it could almost be taken from a New Electronica compilation. The B-Side sees “Chosen Path” race the tempo and a subdued Detroit influence creeping in. The soft analogue tones of “Nanomal” sees Kennedy’s triumphant return to vinyl come to a close. The tracks have a wonderful depth to them, all building along similar lines of beat and bass with FBK adding elements as he sees fit. In some ways the record throws up memories of Beaumont Hannant, in another reflections on another Glasgow imprint: Ampoule. FBK is selecting pieces from the annals of techno, reshaping and adding to them to create something unique.
Most labels have an element of puritanism to them. Either they will only release a certain genre of music or whatever. Diametric are different ideologues. This label employs a concept to influence its output, music not based on the latest audio fashion but sounds that evoke a real love and passion for electronic music. It is not a strict code that is endorsed, but an overarching principle that flexes within its abstract confines. In many ways Diametric are looking to salvage genres that became bastardised by commercialisation. Perhaps these genres have escaped the circus they found themselves in, but techno is still a soiled word to most people. Diametric are trying to overcome this history and find a new plateau from which to work and create. The label’s philosophy allows artists freedom to find inspiration where they can. The bottom line is the sound, “trends and hypes are not of interest.” FBK has done the philosophy, and himself, proud with The Expert Escapist and will hopefully start to release more regularly.
