- The techno community seems to be all about anonymity these days, which, depending on your position, is either a blessing or a curse. On one hand we get to blindly listen to things without predisposed opinions about particular artists or labels, while—on the other—we're gifted with a litany of tracks by mysterious artists that may never get proper credit. Regardless, one thing is for sure: The lot of us are being treated to some profoundly amazing production work.
Like all good surprises, unknown producer and label Baustein emerged from seemingly nowhere, oft overlooked by other, more popular ghostly peers such as Frozen Border, Do Not Resist The Beat and Seldom Felt. But similarities can be squelched there: Baustein is playing more the tortoise than the hare in this race. The A-side comes in subtly, washed pads parlay the standard dubby-yet-funky bassline that has been coming out of hiding over the last year. A quick scan would yield nods to minimal stalwarts Maurizio or Chain Reaction, but the mystery producer is using the association merely as a launching pad for forward-thinking intricacies that are sure to have sleuths thinking this could be Ben Klock or T++ in disguise.
On the flip, however, is where the detective work will become far more difficult. While the first track might be a smooth trip down techno memory lane, the B-side is grinding, abrasive and downright aggressive. The track initially screams late-night Berghain, but as it powers on, it glances over its shoulder to a haunting set of chords reminiscent of classic Surgeon or Christian Morgenstern productions, all the while driving the nail home in a big room way.
Tracklist A Untitled
B Untitled