Denise Rabe - Mastermind

6 Jan

The first time I heard Denise Rabe was at Emmanuel's Arts Collective, where she composed some of the most spine-chilling insect techno I had listened to then. The combination of rhythm and modulation made for a fresh textural overload. This time, Denise explores what I would like to call sound bath techno on the excellent 30D Records. The sound that Lucy and the Stroboscopic Artefacts crew popularised almost became the default for techno from 2024 into 2025. characterised by its slow, methodical rhythms and overwhelming sonic barrage through heavy modulating subs, ever-expanding pads and samples that repeat like the early pioneers of minimalism.

Rabe indulges the dance floor, combining physical genres in her more methodical productions. Her opener, 'Behind The Mask', crushes its synths under weighted kicks, giving off a much more footwork-influenced feel. In contrast, her closer, 'Observed', strategically pitches most conventional musical signifiers, delving further into more abstract drones and found sounds. Both tracks require a time investment, and Rabe exercises patience when constructing phrases. The slow-burning trucks are designed as group hypnosis tools.

Both 'Mastermind' and 'One Complete Moment' inject the same insect-like textures that will be prominent in her early work. Rob transforms relatively simple percussive patterns with deforming modulation that changes the sonic characteristics. They float from repetitive rim shots to incessantly creepy shuffles that crawl under the skin. 'Mastermind' uses a constant need for resolution, which Rabe indulges by punctuating each phrase with a stretched synthesiser that feels almost pulled, kicking and screaming from the depths of the track. 'One Complete Moment' uses a sparse melody to add unresolved tension that draws listeners deeper.

Tracklist: