I picked up a tasty 12" Friday on the V-Max label, called "Photosynthesis".
I'd passed by several of their releases previously, but I'm glad I
picked this one up.
The single has three mixes. The first (and best) consists of a swirly
lead which entwines over itself, reminiscent (melodically) of some of
Orbital's stuff. The rhythm track is fast and busy, but consequently
completely undanceable. DJ unfriendly, but definitely {i}.
The second mix restates the original melody line with a slightly buzzier
synth patch, to less dramatic effect. The beats are slightly less
complex, but I still couldn't see this one being dropped on a dancefloor.
The third mix drops the whacked rhythm track for a straight 4/4 trance
beat, which deprives the track of much of its tension but makes
it danceable. The track ends with some tasty filter sweeps.
I'd been stumbling over other V-Max releases in the bins at Recordtime
for months, but this was the first on I picked up. Is the quality of
this one typical for the label? Glad I bought it.
For the guy who asked for a description of Drexciya, I'd describe
them as "playful" IDM. At a time when a lot of electronic artists
are taking themselves much too seriously they're a breath of
fresh air.
They're quite fond of gurgly filtered patches and old-school electro
beats. There's some UR style acidic tweakiness on top, but they tend to
avoid the 303. All of the releases I've heard so far are well worth
getting, though Recordtime was sold out of the new one when I stopped
there the other day (damn).
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dave walker, detroit art services
marmoset@msen.com me & my robots