Rebound explores two sides of Techno. Deason comes from the US angle, the beats and darkened eyes of the dancefloor. Belleville looks at the lighter side of the genre, winding 90s Techno chords around loose analogue melodies.
I’d be curious to know how many times in the last two years I’ve typed the word “House” in comparison to “Techno.” Twice as much. Thrice? This isn’t just a remark on my limited vocabulary, it’s a comment on the resurgence and dominance of Chicago over its Detroit cousin. This supremacy hasn’t always been the case of course but in the past few years there has been a tidal wave of Illinois inspired music. Despite the wear on my keyboard’s “H” being attributed to another, Techno has not been forgotten. aDepth Audio has been releasing top Techno since it set up shop in 2010. The Netherlands’ label has been quiet of late but returns to releasing form with a split EP from home-grown talent Rob Belleville and Detroit denizen, and Matrix Records boss, Sean Deason.
Rebound takes a track from each which is then swapped and remixed by the other. Confused? Let’s clear it up. Bellevile is up first remixing Deason’s “Halogen.” A steady beat forms the support around which Belleville wraps warbling chords and shimmering pads. The track tempers the muscle of the original, softening with gentle keys and an almost IDM sentimentality. Deason’s take is a much bawdier affair. A 4/4 beat rolls forth before echoing chords are layered. As the track breaks it reveals itself as a stage shy floor piece. Reverberating lines circle with thumping bass entering before scurrying away once again. A powerful track with a propensity for abstraction. Deason opens the flip with his remix of Belleville’s “Where We Belong.” This interpretation has a more traditional Techno aspect than Deason’s “Halogen.” But, just like its predecessor, as the piece develops it twists and teases. Belleville closes with the original of “Where We Belong.” Warm keys are draped over claps. As the track progresses a rich piece of Techno is unveiled. The sound of the 90s is present in the lush analogue chords as Belleville sketches in bold shapes and autumnal colours.
Rebound explores two sides of Techno. Deason comes from the US angle, the beats and darkened eyes of the dancefloor. Belleville looks at the lighter side of the genre, winding 90s Techno chords around loose analogue melodies. A quality EP, and one to add some girth to the ever shrinking “New Techno” section of your local records store.
Rebound is available on aDepth Audio.
