Unlike the above promo none of the tracks mindlessly slather the word 'Detroit' over them in a shallow attempt to gain cred, but they're all employ Detroit tropes - searing neon synths, heavy percussion, bleak electro-inspired melodic patterns - in varying degrees. 'Another Place' by Reference is particularly impressive:
But they're all solid:
Earlier tracks by Monty Luke and Ezana Harris also pretty good:
Detroit techno hardly needs my support, from the opposite arse-end of the world no less. I'd say that I'm immune to the promotional angle, actually antagonistic to it, but I do so like the music, as this tracklist attests.
Also picked up the latest on Steffi's Dolly label by another Detroit youngster, Jared Wilson. Four tracks of vintage Chicago-esque acid, the following is my pick. Vocal is kinda silly, inane club-set antics targeted to goofed up dancers, but tweaked into gloom and menace and very catchy.
On Saturday I listened to this whilst driving around running errands, Patrice Scott's wonderful mix of Detroit house for Deeper Shades Radio. Was a big hit when it appeared in 2009, a lot of very good, mystery (to my ears) records played. Perfect for driving fast on freeways, through tunnels, at night. Pretty good for picking up groceries and taking daughters to birthday parties in the daytime too.
Scott runs Sistrum Recordings, whose releases pretty much follow the course of this mix: bleepy, streamlined nocturnal minimalism chasing retro-futurist dystopian visions, just like 'techno' (with a small 't') sounded to my ears as a child. I just bought a bunch of their records, do so here, they're awesome.
