Eye of the Beholder is a great record, and it is undoubtedly with a heavy heart that Arne releases it. But, it is a slap on the back the German producer deserves; after releasing top notch techno for a decade he is about to embark on a new journey.
[Clone release page] Arne Weinberg recently made a press communiqué, and a decision. “After 10 years of releasing music under my name “Arne Weinberg” I have decided it is time for a change. I will not release any new music under my real name anymore….I will continue to do music, as this is a very important part of my life, however, I have decided to follow my heart and stop doing the style of music that I am mostly known for, often described as detroit techno . It is time for me to move on and find new challenges and push my personal sonic frontiers.“ It is in the shadow of this surprising news that Arne Weinberg has released his latest EP under his Tangula moniker, Eye of the Beholder.
Tangula starts out with an aural image of a Glasgow stalwart, “The Gorbals (Endtime Mix).” The darkness and rawness of this post-industrial section of Scotland’s largest city is present in Weinberg’s audio interpretation, with thick sparse chords bolstered by dubby tones. The isolation of The Gorbals’ high rise flats is amplified in “Imbalance.” The track is lonely, alienating and emotive. The mechanical undertones of “The Gorbals (Endtime Mix)” are carried on, but the eclipsing 90’s techno tones are absolute. The dancefloor takes effect with the pounds and beats of “Disaster Strikes,” a powerful and juddering piece of techno. The finale was supposed to be released on Transmat, and featured in Derrick May’s BBC Radio 6 Mix. “Jebisu” is an aqua analogue submersion. Weinberg’s love of 90’s UK techno is undeniably present for this warm and warbling end to Eye of the Beholder.
Arne’s statement adds that his new musical focus will be under the name Valanx, a style where “compromises…regarding club compatibility” are no longer an issue. It’s a brave step that Arne Weinberg has made, one which is commendable. But, there is a downside. Arne continues: “I also won’t do any further DJ or live performances of any of the projects in the future… I am not a part of today’s club culture anymore.” There’s something to be said for escaping the “club scene” as it were, but it is disappointing to hear that Arne is retiring from playing live. As a denizen of Glasgow, I sincerely hope that Arne reconsiders this addendum. Techno doesn’t need to be part of any scene, it is what it is. Eye of the Beholder is a great record, and it is undoubtedly with a heavy heart that Arne releases it. But, it is a slap on the back the German producer deserves; after releasing top notch techno for a decade he is about to embark on a new journey. Nevertheless, I do hope Arne will perform live under his new Valanx moniker somewhere soon.
Eye of the Beholder is out now on Diametric.. [Clone release page]
