- Territory III's path to the record store racks took a few more turns than usual. It was supposed to appear on Ténèbre's own digi label, like all the other music the Seoul-based Frenchman has released under the name. But on hearing the promo, London's West Norwood Cassette Library "went on a shameless 'beg, borrow or steal' mission." You can hear why he coveted the EP. Reflecting the oppressive environments of "the megalopolis," Ténèbre's techno can tend towards the grim and grandiose. But every now and then his rhythms flex and swing and the dread-filled moods turn playful. Territory III gives this freaky side a full showing, and its boxy drums and ruffneck attitude brush against the UK raving history often celebrated on WNCL Recordings.
The link is most explicit on "Jungle Frontier," where slyly funky chords collide with a techno producer's imagining of vintage jungle: breakbeats locked in furtive shuffle, whomping low-end and distant diva wails. It's the EP's standout, and the most striking thing Ténèbre has released. "Density" approaches rhythmic confusion from a different angle with one of Ténèbre's favourite tricks: chord stabs are processed into viscous clots of sounds and lobbed into the tracks's electroid workings. The resultant gummy lope recalls pre-modular Blawan. On the B-side Ténèbre's stern moods creep back in, and "Zone & Interzone," in particular, is a bit too warehouse trudge. "Axe Nord-Sud" also starts gloomy, its didgeridoo synths and scything electro beat echoing Asusu's "Sendak." Then it ditches out into a euphoric, washed-out coda—a welcome surprise, like much of this EP.
TracklistA1 Jungle Frontier
A2 Density
B1 Zone & Interzone
B2 Axe Nord-Sud