Lenson - Tar 14

28 Jun

Fall headfirst into the Rotterdam warehouse scene with the new four-tracker from Lenson. A bass-heavy mix of magnetic low-end and riveting dance floor energy. Tar 14 (2023), released on TH Tar Hallow, becomes Lenson's third release on the prominent Rotterdam-based label. It's engrossing from start to finish.

The party starts with 'Party Groove', which condenses Detroit-style techno into just a few elements to dedicate all effort to cementing that titular groove. With 'Party Groove', this adjacency to the Detroit style allows for more freedom within sound selection and pacing, which works to Lenson's advantage. Signature chord stabs gain new character while elements like fizzing hats stay, all in service to that groove. Adversely, 'Andiam' takes an alternate approach focusing more on the hypnotic aspects of techno. A pulsating low end that doesn't fall into standard timing adds drama. Lenson Is attempting to pull you out of your head on the dance floor. The odd timing is an attempt to push and pull the psyche enough that body can take over. The croaking lead doubles the intensity of this effect. The continual subtle changes intended to muddy and perplex the mind to let the music consume. Whispering atmospheres create a tone of darkness assisted by the bass-heavy nature of Lenson's production.

The funk gets turned up with 'Bipolar Disorder'. Lenson Introduces A fantastically textured clap that rings out into the next Like a crashing wave while subtle percussion sound degraded or grainy, adding more texture. The percussive style makes it hard to identify instruments allowing for more interpretation as it shifts and changes as the record progresses. Lastly, the final tune, 'Red Alert', sounds like the distorted brass band from hell. The intense synthesiser melody ramps up and up, creating this tension that only builds as the track develops. Everything reaches a boiling point, resonance cranked, and anxiety doesn't feel like it can get any stronger when Lenson finally lets up. The cut detonates into a Cacophony of rapid-fire hi-hats, ride cymbals and snares. Pure rave fantasy.

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