Joel Mull ‘Holographic EP’

Joel Mull / ‘Holographic’

Digital / Vinyl

Truesoul / Released January 15th 2011

Some people need absolutely no introduction, and others shouldn’t, but realistically have established their reputation by remaining truly underground and true to themselves. These guys often do require some kind of pretext. So then, this is Mr Mull, one of Adam Beyer’s schoolmates, and an expansive techno hero who makes music that has the best shades of rolling trance subtly cast over it, while being firmly fixed in 2011. He’s been doing it some 17 years.

Here we have a cheeky sample of his new album, Sensory, released next month. And what a sneak peak it is, because even though there’s actually only one tune of the three this disc offers featured on the new LP, it tastes so sweet- or should that be sweaty? – you already know how good the final product is going to be. That the two supporting tracks are delectably deep and driving cuts, makes this worth the purchase even if February’s arrival is already pre-ordered.

Holographic, which does appear on the forthcoming full-lengther, enters the fray with an oversized kick, and classic stepping hi-hats, before moving into the kind of locked groove sent to hypnotise a dancefloor. The next thing you’ll here is a sharply reversed cymbal, before robotic vocal stabs stamp a seal of quality down on the black plastic. It’s not long before the voices start ranting, in that classically inaudible, computer-crash kind of way, which isn’t scary, but is oddly addictive to say the least, making for a sure fire, almost breakdown-free winner, make no mistake.

Ironically we’d probably find ourselves hammering Danny Boy more often though, which has no relation whatsoever to traditional Scottish heritage, apart from the nation’s enviable reputation for die-hard partying. Cue bouncy-ball bassline, atmospheric chords and echoed percussion, creating the kind of nothing tune that devastates when thrown out of any soundsystem larger than an iPod docking station (take note). But those looking for something more in the vein of chunky warm up material should opt for Duh Dub, which lives up to its name by scarcely lifting its eyes from the floor, favouring a shuffling sensibility, while ensuring that the muted hoovers and never give up nature of the track mean by dancing to it you run the risk of a serious back or neck strain. All in all this is highly recommended.


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