BNJMN ‘141’


BNJMN / 141

Digital

Svetlana / Released June 2011

 

What does it sound like?

One of Eastern Europe’s most exciting imprints returns with more less-than-obvious cuts from the expansive world of ‘variable beats’. And, as was the case with the label’s Come On Let’s Go compilation of last autumn, more than a few different avenues therein are explored.

In something of a hands across the continent gesture the producer behind this release is Ben Thomas, a Briton that some may know as Jackhigh (with fans including Hudson Mohawke and Falty DL). But then earlier in 2011 he released the album Plastic World for the Dutch techno institution that is Rush Hour. The phrase a multitude of influences comes to mind, something that’s evident from early on as we move from relaxed, fragile downtempo to thoughtful 2-step and brooding, abstract tech.

Where would I dance to it?

Cooler ‘bass culture’ dancefloors, though for us there’s as much of a desire to sit down and lounge out when listening to these hypnotic vistas.

What highlights can I expect to hear?

Both the aforementioned opening gambit, One Sea, and Lukid’s remix, are worthy contenders for cream of the crop. The first a kind of lesson in blissful, deep garage, sitting somewhere between Burial and El B, while the latter comes over like Bibio on sedatives. Looped vocals fall in and out of earshot while a reversed rhythm nudges us along with awkward ease.

The other reworking on here (Kelpe’s edit of We Are…) is also noteworthy, if for no other reason than it being the only real four four offered, nodding towards nu-Detroit, and the smooth yet mechanical styles that so many are falling in love with right now, while being more challenging but no less enjoyable. And from the rest we’d pick out Hybridisation, a track that shares as much in common with early electro as any of the genres already mentioned above, think slight keys and twinkling accents set to a stepping tempo.

Why should I pay for it?

Theft is wrong in any case, whereas here it would be a tragedy.

Where can I buy it?

Juno


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