Mgun

Review: It now feels like a long time ago since Detroit's Manuel Gonzales aka M GUN first released his debut EP for London's The Trilogy Tapes. That release is, of course, still a blinding classic in our opinions but, since then, the electronic music producer has visited many facets of house, techno, and beyond, leading him all the way to this second album for Semtek's Don't Be Afraid, entitled Axiom. With a double LP + 7" format at his disposal, M Gun explores mamy different narratives of the music that he has evidently been exposed to from a lifetime in Detroit and, for this reason, the album remains largely genre-free. The pulse behind the majority of the tracks is undoubtedly techno in mind-set, but there are many moments on here, such as "Sil" or "Hole", that take this way beyond the dancefloor and onto something more timeless. A beautiful cacophony of extraneous electronic sounds. Yes, Manuel.

Review: Given Don't Be Afraid's long relationship with Manuel 'M Gun' Gonzales, it's pleasing to see Semtek's label releasing the Detroit producer's long-awaited debut album. Predictably, it's a fine set, containing a mix of far-out techno throbbers - the hypnotic, piano-laden alien funk of "Half Past 3", fuzzy "Past Due", and classic Derrick May revivalism of "Bed & Breakfast" - dusty electro jams (the brilliant "NVR"), and more experimental downtempo fare (see the bass-heavy, dubbed-out "Nobs" and jazzy opener "Pok"). While it arguably takes mutiple listens to really peel back the layers and get your head round Gonzalez's impressive use of textures, it's more than worth the effort. Put simply, Gentium more than delivers on its' promise.

Review: Though he first appeared on Wild Oats as part of NSNT PRJCT back in 2010, the music Manuel Gonzales produces as MGUN has largely surfaced on labels outside of his hometown of Detroit, with Don't Be Afraid, Berceuse Heroique and The Trilogy Tapes among them. His arrival on Aaron Siegel's Fit Sounds label is most welcome then; with the 3 track self titled EP proving further compelling evidence that Gonzales is becoming one of Detroit's current greats. There's a marauding nature to the bassline and rhythms in "Wide Eye" that will appeal to Jamal Moss fans, whilst "Debit" drags you down a gnarly acid rabbit hole. It's the B Side cut that really impresses however, with "MSC" seemingly embracing some of the experimental urges Gonzales has when recording material under the Savant guise with some truly atmospheric results.