Floorplan (A.K.A. Robert Hood) / Sanctified EP
Vinyl / Digital
M-Plant / Released August 2011
What does it sound like?
One of techno’s best-loved, and understandably critically acclaimed producers is back in the house, quite literally. Under his Floorplan guise Robert Hood, the inventor of minimal techno, has been breaking rank with his trademark style since the 1990s, and here he manages to carve three tracks of machine funk from what would appear to be scrap metal and used disco.
We Magnify His Name is perhaps the most fitting example for that description. Filtered pianos emerge from the depths, cue a whistle (invoking something of a warehouse vibe) and wide-load, Chicago beats, followed by a gospel choir and evangelical preacher-man getting on the microphone. It’s a world away from what one might associate with this particular production great, though that pulsating, commanding rhythmic edge is still here.
A further two tracks also appear, both of which bridge something of a gap between last year’s album- the dark, desolate and driving Omega- and the aforementioned energetic church session. First up is Baby Baby, a track that nods back to the hard house of yester-yesteryear (fans of Tony De Vit take serious note) with a repetitive vocal hook and bouncy, high-octane kick and bass. Then there’s Basic Principle, wherein a little more rave appears courtesy of acidic synths filtering into all directions and raw, stripped hi hats.
Where would I dance to it?
Detroit, Chicago, New York, your living room, inside God’s house…
What highlights can I expect to hear?
We’re up for positive energy and a bit of upbeat worship, but unfortunately the other two tracks steal the glory from where we’re listening. Basic Principle is certainly the most serious thing on here, and while it’s not exactly industrial harshness it should sit well with those partial to canons from Laurent Garnier through to Ben Klock. Despite such praise though we’ll have to say Baby Baby is the biggest selling point here, sounding a little like funk hoovering up amphetamines before hitting the dancefloor.
Why should I pay for it?
It’s wrong to steal, end of.
Where can I buy it?
Juno.
