Yard: Detrit
Binary Dilemma
Pairing two originals with remixes by Cane (the acid-techno alter ego of Funckarma brothers Don & Roel Funcken) and Anders Ilar, Chris H. Jones' latest Yard 12-inch makes a compelling case for his artful take on future-techno. In a word, the title cut's a stunner. After opening with pounding techno locomotion underpinned by a base level of rust, the noise layer drops out, allowing swirling curlicues of celestial tones to emerge as the total sound progressively swells, growing more epic with each passing moment. “Squeekr” is slightly less frenetically paced but more tripped-out as gyroscopic synth patterns induce the intended wooziness in the listener while the rough-edged bottom end pounds and throbs insistently down below.
Cane and Ilar leave their respective fingerprints on the title track, with Cane re-shaping it into a squiggly 303 acid mix whose beat patterns feint and jab in equal measure. The Funckens supplant the original's surging forward propulsion with a rhythm that more lurches than glides, and in doing create ample sonic distance between the remix and original. Ilar's tranquil, ambient-techno treatment relocates “Detrit” underwater, so deeply that it can now only be heard through gauzy layers of aqueous film. Aside from the high quality of its contents, the most appealing thing about Yard's 12-inch is that the four pieces sound so different, even though three are variations on a single original.
January 2009
Friday, January 2, 2009
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Yard Review on Gridface
Yard: “Detrit”
Binary Dilemma, 2008
Yard takes his fascination with surface noise a step further on this new 12-inch. “Detrit” is a crunchy, crackling techno track with a slow-building melody. Somehow it evokes nostalgia of late-night radio shows with vinyl spinning in a darkened studio. “Squeekr” is a fun digression. Warped synth notes whine over a coarse bassline. It’s somewhat grating, but I’m reminded of old, primitive UK techno. The B side contains two remixes of the title track. The first, by Cane, injects acid squelches and deeper bass. The second, by Anders Ilar, has a dubby, aquatic undertow. It’s subtle and pleasant if a bit muddy. I actually like the original version best of all. I wish Yard had provided four different tracks in that style.
3/5 stars
Binary Dilemma, 2008
Yard takes his fascination with surface noise a step further on this new 12-inch. “Detrit” is a crunchy, crackling techno track with a slow-building melody. Somehow it evokes nostalgia of late-night radio shows with vinyl spinning in a darkened studio. “Squeekr” is a fun digression. Warped synth notes whine over a coarse bassline. It’s somewhat grating, but I’m reminded of old, primitive UK techno. The B side contains two remixes of the title track. The first, by Cane, injects acid squelches and deeper bass. The second, by Anders Ilar, has a dubby, aquatic undertow. It’s subtle and pleasant if a bit muddy. I actually like the original version best of all. I wish Yard had provided four different tracks in that style.
3/5 stars
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Yard - Detrit 12"
Yard's Detrit 12" will be released at the end of April.
It features two original tracks with two remixes by Cane and Anders Ilar.
It will be available at Darla
Keep checking back for more details!
It features two original tracks with two remixes by Cane and Anders Ilar.
It will be available at Darla
Keep checking back for more details!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Funckarma Review on Gridface
Funckarma: Sploid
Binary Dilemma, 2007
The rebirth of IDM continues with a new record from Funckarma. “Comply” builds slowly and satisfyingly, with twirling treble and a broken beat. The bass is used sparingly but to good effect. Synth bits near the end sound like little alien creatures, reminding me of Kenny Larkin’s “Lifeforms.” “Raides” has more of a modern electro feel, with panning 303-like squelches and even a little tape flutter. The title track is complex, with pieces of melody and plenty of bass. “Ymadyn” begins with emphasis on the beats. Mid-way through delicate synthesizers take over, then an acid line kicks in. Somehow the three disparate elements work well together. While I wouldn’t characterize this EP as ground-breaking, it certainly is solid and enjoyable.
4/5 stars
Binary Dilemma, 2007
The rebirth of IDM continues with a new record from Funckarma. “Comply” builds slowly and satisfyingly, with twirling treble and a broken beat. The bass is used sparingly but to good effect. Synth bits near the end sound like little alien creatures, reminding me of Kenny Larkin’s “Lifeforms.” “Raides” has more of a modern electro feel, with panning 303-like squelches and even a little tape flutter. The title track is complex, with pieces of melody and plenty of bass. “Ymadyn” begins with emphasis on the beats. Mid-way through delicate synthesizers take over, then an acid line kicks in. Somehow the three disparate elements work well together. While I wouldn’t characterize this EP as ground-breaking, it certainly is solid and enjoyable.
4/5 stars
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Releases
a 12" by yard! it will feature 2 original tracks with 2 remixes by anders ilar and cane. release date: february 2008.
a 12" by ard bit! it will also feature 4 original tracks. release date: spring 2008.
more details to come.
the e.stonji + funckarma 12"s are available for purchase
(u.s. + canadian customers) through the binary dilemma
myspace page. just look for the paypal links. you can also
purchase through darla
international customers can purchase from the following online stores:
ad noiseam
klangware
suburban trash
a 12" by ard bit! it will also feature 4 original tracks. release date: spring 2008.
more details to come.
the e.stonji + funckarma 12"s are available for purchase
(u.s. + canadian customers) through the binary dilemma
myspace page. just look for the paypal links. you can also
purchase through darla
international customers can purchase from the following online stores:
ad noiseam
klangware
suburban trash
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