Dirty, deviant and destructive, Hauff builds on the darker tracts of Techno with serrated skill and a desire to dissolve dancefloors.
My skepticism will rise at any given chance. I don’t know if it’s being Irish, but there’s a decent volume of doubt running through my blood. Some claim it’s healthy, I’m not sure. Said dubiousness begins to increase to alarming levels when I hear an artist name bandied about that bit too much, piled on praise being like treacle to swallow. Helena Hauff is a name that is leading to higher than normal disbelief. Why? Because of the mini-fanfare surrounding the Golden Pudel resident. But, I’m also aware that media attention is not always misdirected. The Hamburg producer delivered a hard and raw EP for Panzerkreuz and jerked heads with two devilish cuts for Solar One. So when I heard about Ms Hauff’s latest for Lux Rec I was ready, with my skepticism somewhat sheathed, to hear what she had to offer.
Shattered Cone is a four track collar drag down a grimy cobble-stoned street, “Accidie” being the initial neck yank. Stark and shaven snares stab. The piston and pound percussion of EBM is on show. Bruising basslines bully before 303 turbulence turns speakers to trembling timidity. Paint peeling off the wall material. The first snarl is submerged for the smouldering, clap festooned intensity of “Hiemal Quietus,” but the aggression and adrenalin are ready to rise to new levels for “Severe Slash.” Flesh and sweat hit the floor as bpm’s rocket to rates of cardiac concern. The rawness and recklessness of bygone Techno days is on full brazen show, but a breath is allowed. The closer sees tempos drop and a softness enter, well somewhat of a softness. Hauff throws an arm over your shoulder, a friendly lead out to this tough and textured outing.
I’m happy to say that my apprehension, however healthy it may be, is, on this occasion, unwarranted. This latest addition to the Lux crew has firmly blew my press prejudices out of the water. To be honest she had already paved over my concerns with some cracking past tracks, but Shattered Cone has got that bit further. Dirty, deviant and destructive, Hauff builds on the darker tracts of Techno with serrated skill and a desire to dissolve dancefloors.
Shatter Cone is available on Lux.
