Onmutu Mechanicks – Phosphor review

Arne Weinberg goes undercover for this release on Danish label Echocord. The German producer has long been an exponent of deep Detroit techno and has released some stunning work on both his current label Diametric, and previous outlet AW. However, this moniker appears to be Weinberg’s platform for making music inspired by developments closer to home. The title track is a rolling dub techno affair, its cavernous chords and strong rhythm, as well as Weinberg’s subtle production, setting it apart from bog standard, echo chamber-loving releases.

The introduction of a filter lends the track more momentum and means it doesn’t have that plodding feeling that many contemporary dub techno tracks are blighted with. Berghain resident Norman Nodge provides the remix, which like many of his reshapes, is in stark contrast to the relentless techno that his sets are associated with. That said, a booming, oversized bass drum underpins the arrangement, but its slower tempo and the fact that it underscores enveloping chords means that it sounds ponderous rather than punishing. While Phosphor marks a diversion from his usual approach, “Innocence & Purity” suggests that he can’t resist making melodic music: the reflective chords that emerge through the dusky, scuffled groove shows that Weinberg is a techno soul boy at heart.

Richard Brophy

Tracklisting:

1. Phosphor
2. Phospor (Norman Nodge remix)
3. As The Spirits Fade
4. Innocence & Purity