Max Durante - Black Light

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  • We don't know much about Kynant Records, aside from it being of UK origin but Berlin-based. But the new label is sure to attract attention with its first release, Italian artist Max Durante's Black Light. A longtime purveyor of hard-edged electro and acid techno, Durante was a key part of Rome's early '90s rave scene. Now based in Berlin, he's updated his sound to something deeper and more explicitly techno-oriented. The move was signaled in the spring by bruising Sonic Groove EP Metastability, Durante's first solo release in four years, and is reinforced by Black Light. Durante's latest effort isn't as intense (or as cacophonous) as Metastability, but it still packs a mean punch. The title track and "Solar Request" are broken-beat techno cuts that ramp up the intensity with rumbling sub-bass and layers of atmospheric drone. "Black Light" unleashes a fusillade of rapidfire scrapes, as discordant howls rise into the mix. "Solar Request" digs into a gloomy groove with mesmerizing hi-hats and sinister sci-fi FX. On the flip, "Biocentrism"'s bleep techno is at once pristine and playful, though not quite as imposing as what's on the A-side. Rounding out the release, and likely to reel in more ears, is a remix of "Biocentrism" from fellow Roman artist Donato Dozzy. It's a wall-of-sound rush that twists some of the original's background growls into a constant, resonant squelch, while replacing most of the bleeps with phantom tones. A straightforward effort designed for long blends and full immersion, it's a fine complement to Durante's subtly aggressive originals.
  • Tracklist
      A1 Black Light A2 Solar Request B1 Biocentrism B2 Biocentrism (Donato Dozzy Remix)
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