Four tracks of solid techno from the next generation, a generation securing the motherland’s place in the continuing annals of machine music.
God knows everyone sees everything these days. When the question begins like “Did ‘ya see that thing on Facebook?” The omnipresent eye seeing the same stuff the other omnipresent eye. Well, here’s another one for you. Did ‘ya see those Bernie vs Hilary posters infesting feeds? They went like this, two photos with the Democrat hopefuls and headings over them. The one which read “Techno” saw Bernie espouse his knowledge of Detroit and that Motor City as the “spiritual home” of the sound. Hilary’s was a little less flattering.
Before getting too side tracked, this viral image got me thinking. Detroit, and its mystic brilliance, will always have pole position in the hearts of the faithful; the majority that is. After this you’re probably looking at England and Germany. But there were, and are, other nations involved in techno. Sticking with the 90s appreciation that Mr Sanders promulgates, The Netherlands had a wonderful sound two decades ago with pioneering labels such as Eevolute. As did Italy, although maybe it has been a little more forgotten. Leo Analdi for example and his ACV label, not forgetting T.E.W.
A contemporary imprint that is on the Sanders side for techno taste is Analogic Density, although the Italian labels sentiments are contemporary and their sights set on new homegrown talent. The latest offering has the feel of a split 12” about it. The motherland is the stomping ground and like-minded souls have been collected.
Labarome T.M.I. gets the ball rolling with the bitter spiking acid tones of “Damaged Data.” Thud and scratched beats are flung at a wall of knob jerked melody in this fast paced opener. Label boss Lowfreq77 picks up on some of these same sounds for his psychological hammer “The Black Mask.” The flip is introduced by Sirio Gry J and Stefano Rocchi. The latter I know from his work on Love Blast, dark and atmospheric techno being presented with Contactto. I must admit I didn’t realize Stefano was the brother of Riccardo Rocchi, of ACV Records fame no less, and that classic style is present in “Which Future.” 303 squawk permeates the track, rasping rhythms keeping time for a driving work. Feedback, of Minimal Rome fame, brings Third Chapter to a close with the ducking and diving energy of “Evicon.” Concentric circles tightening for a full finish.
I’m aware that I’ve taken this historic line with Analogic Density before, but it is interesting how the path laid down in the 90s is still followed. Four tracks of solid techno from the next generation, a generation securing the motherland’s place in the continuing annals of machine music.
Third Chapter is available on Analogic Density.
