Techno and Adjacent Explored in Blocaus Series Compilation, Era Novum II

John Cameron — Tue, 10 Aug 2021 16:48:08 +0000

Selector’s Sounds series follows a procedure that puts music quality before status or industry relationships. Learn how it works.

Science fiction scholar Darko Suvin popularized the term “novum” to describe fictional technology with a certain degree of real world plausibility. In that sense, it’s a concept that perfectly fits Blocaus Series‘ techno compilation series. Its second installment, Era Novum II [BLCDS003], released in digital format July 30th.

Respected producers in the techno undercurrent feature heavily on the 16-track album – with remarkably little redundancy. The savage syncopations of singles by Tapefeed and Casual Treatment contrast with the industrial leanings of those from Headless Horseman and Alessandro Adriani. Henning Baer and Takaaki Itoh even bring the tracklist in electro and experimental territory, respectively. Collectively they all make a statement, demonstrating that there’s still room for imagination in techno.

Era Novum II by Various Artists

The Blocaus Series Continues

Based in Paris, Blocaus Series launched in 2016 as an extension of an event brand by the same name. The label inaugurated with Leftover Love, a four-track EP by their resident DJ, Anetha.

The first edition of Era Novum released in July 2020. Surgeon, Oscar Mulero, and Vith were among the artists who appeared on its tracklist.

Purchase Era Novum II in digital format via Blocaus Series Bandcamp.

Denise Rabe Delivers Dark Techno Record, The Lion And The Mouse

John Cameron — Mon, 08 Mar 2021 19:27:09 +0000

Selector’s Sounds series follows a procedure that puts music quality before status or industry relationships. Learn how it works.

Berlin talent Denise Rabe has offered up a fitting addition to her growing discography. The Lion And The Mouse comprises two dark techno singles from her as well as a remix of each by Headless Horseman and Luis Flores. It released in digital and vinyl formats March 5th.

On “Pretending,” Rabe compliments rolling kick drums with a subtle rattling texture as tension builds towards an industrial-tinged melody. Headless Horseman switches up the beat structure and adds ominous atmospheres in his remix while still paying homage to the source material. Rabe offers a slower yet equally dark iteration of her sound in “Unresolved Tension,” which Flores reimagines as a hard techno stomper.

Denise Rabe | The Lion And The Mouse | Rabe005 by Rabe

Rabe Revisited

Having learned to disc jockey at the age of 16 in the German town of Bielefeld, Denise Rabe first explored drum and bass before moving on to house. By her debut release, however, she was fully invested in techno. 2015 saw her appear on a compilation by Mutewax before releasing her first 12-inch record via ARTS.

2017 marked the launch of her artist imprint, Rabe, on which The Lion And The Mouse is the fifth release. She has also worked as a booker for Berlin club [ipsə] as well as launching her own event brand, HIDE AND SEEK, at Humboldthain.

The Lion And The Mouse is available for purchase in digital and 12-inch vinyl formats on Rabe Bandcamp.

Headless Horseman | Selector

Techno and Adjacent Explored in Blocaus Series Compilation, Era Novum II

The Blocaus Series Continues

Denise Rabe Delivers Dark Techno Record, The Lion And The Mouse

Rabe Revisited