#31 Feat. New Releases in Techno (Raw / Deep / Hypnotic)

In this next installment of Token, Brussels own Border One steps in to showcase Echoes from the Abyss, another swinging, modular-driven project destined for controlled sound systems. In these four tracks, the seasoned producer does what he knows best: engaging the dancefloor through his signature sound design and use of space.  Echoes from the Abyss the track, like the EP, is a collection of sound associations that are synonymous with Border Ones sound. Resonant and cerebral yet bouncy and full of groove, the A1 presents a shimmering veil of synthwork that gives off a truly hypnotic effect. The follow up is much more sequence-based, focusing on the elements interactions. The producer plays along freely with his drum machine, responding to a classically loopy and dissonant main synth that insists its way from beginning to end. Tension is everything, especially when met with a sustained chord in the second half, turning the record into a weapon of suspense. Celestial Observer comes back straight and center with a focused tone and a progressive arrangement. With a thick low end and shrill highs, Border One flicks through percussion patterns and filter sweeps to make an intense, at times close eyed dancefloor experience. Ducking back into obscurity for the last track, Escaping the Void takes on a more minimally produced style that breathes a bit after its previous, denser productions. Concluding with a question mark is always very appropriate, and here were faced with a record caught between ethereal soundscapes and tense implications. With Escaping the Void, Border One closes with his latest contribution to Token with class as always, appealing to genre veterans and newcomers alike.

Border One

#88 Feat. New Releases in Techno (Raw / Deep / Hypnotic)

A natural fit for the Token label and now a regular contributor, Nørbak presents his new release Flauta on the Belgian imprint. Keeping things driving and dense, his productions boast a raw intensity, continuing to describe spacious rooms with roaring atmospheres.  The title track serves as a firm introduction to the project; Flauta is a typical Nørbak A1. Claps on the kick, thick sound design on all levels, and tribal percussion make for an imposing first track. Finding groove in the chaos is never difficult for the Portuguese artist, his seamless blend of functional and mental techno make for quite a recognizable sound with reliable effect. On the other hand, his followup Despida sharpens the tone and focuses its elements. Proving he can do just as much damage with a more minimal approach, Nørbak drops the claps for shakers and whips up a distorted stab as the main driver of the track. Despite the versatility of his records, there is something very homogenous about the tonality of his drums and synths - they seem electric, and Despida truly nails that aesthetic. Moving on to the B side, we have yet another facade of the project. While Golpe has a classic foundation, Nørbaks flamboyant sound design guides the tracks arrangement, making anything but a loop. The records structure makes for clear accents that insist on a pulsating atmosphere. This moves perfectly into the EPs conclusion. Camarada resembles more Despida in the minimal construction, retaining a lot of the squelching lead textures. Mastering the question/answer style of techno, Nørbak is able to capitalize on the tonality of his sonic experiments to create swing on the dance floor. Obscure, quick, and elusive, Nørbak wraps up Flauta with restraint and efficiency. 

NØRBAK