The raw molten emotion of the TB303, the detailed machine rhythms, the warming currents of synth; all come together in this very special release.
The warming currents of synth come together in this very special release
Almería is known for its coastlines and Moorish architecture. But, scratch a little below the surface and you’ll also find a healthy amount of electronic music. From festivals to record labels, the southern Spanish city punches above its weight thanks to the likes of Carlós Martín and his Waste Editions imprint; an imprint that has recently spawned a sub-label sibling.
Masa Series was founded by Alejandro Martín, following in his brother’s footsteps, Adrián Soriano and Juan Rodríguez. All members of EEAY (Electrónica en Almería Ya/Electronic Music in Almería Now), the partnership has an ear for both late night sessions and armchair reflections. The first compilation brought together homegrown talent with artists from further afield. It is to one of those international artists that Masa turn to for its first solo 12”, Roger Van Lunteren.
Skittish drums are marshalled by rasping clap and steady kicks in the title piece of “Saskian End Courts.” A warbling line of acid dawns before strings and key stabs build. The track finds a sweet spot between UK and Detroit, echoing past productions while adding another strata of complexity. Cowbells and hi-hats give rise to a sludgy bassline in “08-Variation.” From this fertile ground spring crisp snares and dreamy chords, throwback whoops and hollers tethering the track to bygone rave days. Lunteren spins softened lush notes beneath the patchworks he creates, inviting and warm melodies recalling those halcyon days of techno. The flip is introduced by “Circles (Squared.)” From a plain of driving percussion, a line of sourness uncoils, squirms and wriggles in free-flowing forms. The most club orientated piece on the record, “Circles (Squared)” is guaranteed to do damage in the right setting. We stay in the club for “Fun Starts At Loop Five.” That same methodical rhythm building is at the root of this finale with Van Lunteren pushing his TB303 ever further as liquid notes bubble and boil.
When Roger Van Lunteren started releasing, some twenty years ago, his line of approach was that of electronica. In more recent times the German has turned to the sounds of acid and techno for his creations. Saskian End Courts brings together all these integral elements which have spanned a musical career. The raw molten emotion of the TB303, the detailed machine rhythms, the warming currents of synth; all come together in this very special release.
Saskian End Courts is available on Masa Series. [Bandcamp]
