Alexi Delano and Xpansul - Intelligence Reframed EP

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  • Alexi Delano and Xpansul (Santiago Ferrer) have been recording together since they met in Madrid in 2004. Following up their release on Adam Beyer’s Truesoul earlier this year, ‘Intelligence Reframed’ arrives on Richie Hawtin and John Acquaviva’s renowned label Plus 8. From subtle beginnings, 'Echolocation' launches into a driving beat. There’s a touch of malevolence here, with jangling keys echoing Jeff Mills’ ‘Metropolis’, but the pair shape a distinct sound which should distinguish it from the mountain of minimal tracks out there. It creepy, it has an edge, and there’s just enough vitality to keep hips moving on the floor. As the title suggests, 'Cosmic Antipathy' takes a deeper approach. Spatial and bubbly, it emits alluring squelching tones but, in the end, fails to ignite. A set-builder which will find its home as a short loop during quieter moments. 'Vegetotherapy' is my pick of the quartet. Eschewing the quirks of its predecessors, it’s a solid, heads down affair that reminds me of Orlando Voorn. There’s also touches of old R&S releases here - maybe it's nostalgia, but I like it. The final track is more ill-behaved: Delano and Xpansul entice us with manic, metallic percussion and surgical precision before suddenly turning on us and snapping viciously. I predict ‘Meta-Intellectual’ will cause a riot on the floor – Hawtin will take this and bring on a coup d'etat - watch out. A strong outing then – innovative stuff which also nods to the past. Old meets new gives the EP a rounded feel, which is not always the case with minimal music. The cold metallic feel may at times prove too much for those who like it melodic, but this release has its purpose and is not attempting to cover every angle. Alexi Delano also recently turned in a beautiful remix of Electronic Resistance's 'Exposure', and teaming with Xpansul also appears to have been a good choice.
RA