Returning to his own New Flesh label, and sub-label Rave or Die, Umwelt is teaming up with some fellow minded machine freaks to deliver two new waxen cuts. Tight electro teachings, tainted by 303 and shrouded in modern gloom.
Umwelt has a more than impressive history. For near two decades the French producer has been dishing up steaming servings of cold mechanics and sharpened electro. In recent years the Satamile veteran has been moving into even rawer mediums, delivering dancefloor destruction for imprints such as Minimum Syndicat. Returning to his own New Flesh label, and sub-label Rave or Die, Umwelt is teaming up with some fellow minded machine freaks to deliver two new waxen cuts.
Vincent Koreman seems to have the midas touch. Under his Drvg Cvltvre mask this Acid Planet pioneer has sired a unique brand new beat spliced industrial acid on labels like Viewlexx and Shipwrec. It is this guttural formula that the Dutchman brings to Rave or Die. BPMs are not overtly high, but the tension is. A taut string of treble infused 303 pinned by bass and thump. Rasp and recession bleed through cracks, pads staggering into the looming black brickwork. Coal clad clamor. The sun isn’t for rising on this piercing white 10”, night is the keeper and boss man is on the flip for a tough and tortured piece of sonic worship. Snares crash and pummel feedback and fuzz. Rivets penetrate looping bars, cyclical motions pulling the listener ever further below.
Elektro Diktators Vol 1 is by an detached collective known as The French Dissidents. The experience of Dynarec opens the compilation. “Moving Corridors” is bare and tough. Polished metallic sounds run through with a razor’s edge. New Flesh contributor Franck Kartell follows with some self aware “Electro Music.” The track adapts and adopts the foundations of the sound, Dopplereffekt and Kraftwerk running from the Frenchman’s fingers for a searching piece of machine music. The B-side sees the head honcho take the helm. “Future Darkness – 2014 Vision” allows for a moment or two of warmth. Samples ruminate as keys progress from twilight to dawn and then back into the shadows. Speaking of The Shadows, from Last Know Trajectory Jauzas The Shining closes the EP. Haunting bars are further vilified. Ghosting arpeggios are tapered, clipped beats supporting heavily vocodered spoken words.
I sadly just missed Umwelt playing in Madrid. Valentine’s Day romance usurping late night electronics. Based on the Frenchman’s past outings and this latest duo of releases I’ve no doubt it was a cracking evening of energized analogue entertainment. Tight electro teachings, tainted by 303 and shrouded in modern gloom.
Elektro Diktators Vol 1 is available on New Flesh.
