When it comes to the creme de la creme of techno music, few artists embody that idea more than the two who step up in the most recent collaboration on DJ Nobu’s Bitta imprint. Both artists have slowly become the go to's in their respective areas of underground dance music, with JakoJako being one of the very few prominent modular artists on the scene today. At the same time, DJ Nobu's eclectic mix of distinct sounds has made him an undeniable figure in the scene. Both artists have distinct pulling power, and this collaborative EP not only highlights each of the stunning, skill-laden selections, but also gives us the treat of their takes on each other's style through two remixes.
First up is Nobu's track 'Wax and Wane', a silky, exploratory, pumping expression of Detroit-infused Japanese techno. DJ Nobu expertly builds pressure through distant bleeps and a popping, candy-like text that slowly rises. The introduction of high hearts and these grand swells of synthesised emotion build until a fierce crescendo of speedy kick drums breaks the tension. The groove adds to the track's fast-paced, excitable nature, while the astral arpeggios shimmer in the background, creating a beautiful juxtaposition of excitement against the cold backdrop of insignificance.
Conversely, JakoJako's 'Nodus' reveals a much more kinetic and ferocious percussive pattern off the bat. Broken-beat kick drums cascade, flanked by analogue voltage with an almost performative cleanliness, indicating a level of forethought, as JakoJako's mastery of modular is on full display. Creaking growls and off-kilter hi-hats create a backdrop of unease, while the kick drums plug away, seemingly to disorientate listeners. As we come into the second act, JakoJako introduces a slew of reverberant plucks and keys that, in ways, mimic what we hear on DJ Nobu's initial effort. The arpeggios create a sense of weightlessness, but this time there's much more warmth, almost as though an olive branch is being offered, allowing listeners to centre themselves again.
Along with the absolute killer two tracks, both DJ Nobu and JakoJako have laid down the real treat, with DJ Nobu taking on 'Nodus' while JakoJako takes it in on 'Wax and Wane'. With the remixes, it is as though both artists independently boiled the stems they were given, reducing them to a silky pan source of groove, exothermic warmth, and a heavy dose of sound staging through effects. First up is the DJ Nobu remix of nodus, which has been transformed into a simplified 4x4-tempo. No Boo transplants those growling synthesisers to the background and leads with the fantastic arpeggios laid down by JakoJako. In doing so, the track has taken on a much more gratifying flavour, and what it loses in its initial aggression, it makes up for with a hypnotic, pulsating persistence, which I feel makes it more suitable for peak times.
On the other hand, JakoJako takes 'Wax and Wane', almost cuddling it into submission as she brings the intensity down and, in its place, creates this ambient techno darling designed to guide you slowly through the wilderness. Again, it's impressive how varied the record ends up being. The duo show undeniable talent for bending the techno genre to their will, leaving the record as an absolute gem for DJ Nobu's Bitta imprint.
Label: Bitta (2026)
DJ Nobu, JakoJako - Wax and Wane / Nodus
