Reports
Reports
Denise Rabe - Mastermind
Denise Rabe's latest work, Mastermind, showcases her evolution in sound, transitioning from spine-chilling insect techno to a style I'd describe as sound bath techno. The music features slow, methodical rhythms characterised by heavy modulating subs, expansive pads, and minimalist samples. Rabe's productions engage the dance floor with influences from various genres.
Her tracks demand patience and serve as tools for group hypnosis. Mastermind, featuring dynamic synthesisers, constantly searches for resolution, while One Complete Moment uses sparse melodies to create unresolved tension. Both tracks reflect her signature insect-like textures, blending simple percussive patterns with intricate modulation that enhances the overall sonic experience.
Paleman - Pale Vater
Callum Lee, after a brief foray into experimental music under the alias Fresnel Lens, returned to club-focused releases in 2023 with his familiar Paleman persona. His 2023 album Veiled showcased his percussive excellence, and now, in 2024, he releases the EP 'Pale Vater' with 30D Records, just in time for NYE gigs. The title track features sharp syncopated grooves and a futuristic sound, while other tracks like 'Lying About Lying' and 'No You' evoke a throwback to dark dubstep influences. The EP's standout track, 'Trawl', offers rich atmospherics with haunting elements. However, the tracks feel like variations of the same material, lacking distinctiveness, yet maintaining high quality and appeal for a NYE playlist.
Zvrra - Hadal EP
The Hadal EP (2023) leans so heavily into the experimental ambient side of electronic music that I consider it a concept EP. It feels like we're being flung into the darkest reaches of space and picking up the faintest remnants of intelligent life.