Operating from Beijing, the pleasingly consistent Science Label has thus far pursued only the most melodic of Detroit-influenced techno. It's an approach that continues here, with the appropriate choice of Kriss "Life Recorder" Kortz slotting in at number six on the catalogue. "Ups & Downs" feels very much like Brian Kage's "Salmon Fishing," from earlier this year. That can only be a good thing. Again, crisp claps are the sharpest element on offer, with the bulk of the track filled by masses of iridescent synth lines. These soar majestically over quietly tinging cymbals to impart a gentle sense of calm. Carlos Nilmmn's remix swaps what was a relatively plain beat for a stomping march and drags the most prominent chords back towards Earth for a more heads-down result.
Somewhat livelier, "Push Deeper" features a strangely tuned kick which punches resolutely through all the other elements. Here Kortz has fun playing with resonance, building euphoric synths to restrained peaks before pulling them back down and filling the troughs with rounds of compact claps. "Chaos Harmony" is the hookiest of the bunch, leading with a dogged blooping. It's relentless in its own way, despite the overt brightness of the whole thing. Lightweight metallic shunts and rolling hi-hats sustain this bustling structure above, shuddering restlessly but never upsetting the cart. "Fresh Breathe" returns to the sleek, driving vibe of "Ups & Downs." Comparably, it's also brimming with swathes of gleaming synth. Most of its energy is generated by a deep, massaging bass sequence that pauses meditatively at the end of each phrase. This is paired with a quick double-hit from the kick drum, at which point a new phrase begins and the intensity seems to jump up repeatedly. It's an old trick, but one that works exceedingly well. The same could be said of the Positive Changes EP, in fact. It's not breaking any boundaries, but it's a lovely listen nonetheless.
Buy Life Recorder - Positives Changes at
  
Tracklist: Life Recorder - Positives Changes
 01. Chaos Harmony
02. Fresh Breathe
03. Push Deeper
04. Ups & Downs
05. Ups & Downs (Carlos Nilmmns Tangent Remix)
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