Drained vinyl

Luke Slater’s Mote-Evolver label rounds off an impressive 2010 and starts 2011 by passing into record label maturity with a 21st release. As is fitting for such a landmark release, the forever-progressive Slater has plucked a special release from the ether that will impress and intrigue followers of Mote?s approach to undergroundtechno.

Shrouded in anonymity, Shifted’s release is fuelled by a personal passion for techno, this 3-track EP for Mote-Evolver represents an earnest expression of creativity from an enigmatic artist; freed from the restrictions of expectation and reputation.

Opening up with the kind of sparsely constructed but highly incendiary deepspace-techno that has characterized much of Mote’s recent output, Drained is a thumping bass-driven ride through sinister moods and scratchy sounding effects.

Polaron brings an abrasive feel to the release, contrasting with the deeper moods found elsewhere on the EP, as heavy beats and mechanical percussion provide momentum while resounding chimes and shrill stabs add frenetic drama.

Futuristic and hypnotic, Bound combines the pacey dynamism of snappy rhythms with mesmerizing atmospheric loops which weave together to create a shifting melody; oscillating subtly against a backdrop of relentless percussion.

Brian James, Matt K, Dave Miller, Rolando, Bodyjack, Luke Slater, Max_M (M_Rec Ltd.), Juno Recommends Techno, James Ruskin, Edit Select, Deepbass, DJ Hi-Shock / Advanced Human, Toki Fuko, Antonio De Angelis