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12"
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TRESOR 346EP
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Writing about techno is quite difficult without falling into cliché: there are only so many ways that you can say something about a music whose core elements are forged on deliberate repetition; where real talent is attributed to those who can find the perfect groove where nothing needs added or subtracted to hold the listener's attention for upwards of five minutes. Such tracks are the hallmark of Tresor's catalogue, and this joy in repetition can be found in works from Detroit, Berlin, Birmingham, Edinburgh, and more. And it is through this lens that Parisian artist, UFO95, focuses his output, resulting in Backward Improvement, an EP that sits perfectly in the spectrum of techno found in the Tresor chronology. The title itself makes an abstract reference to the influence of the classics of the genre, inspiring him to take a distinct less-is-more approach to production for this collection of stripped-down yet unrelenting techno chiseled from the live set which has fixed UFO95 as one of the next holdfasts for the future of the scene. Perhaps it is the fact the UFO95 only performs live that had led to such crisp and focused studio productions; each of the tracks showcase the artist's burgeoning talent for creating the essential foundations of techno; perfect, looping, instinctual grooves that are counterbalanced by an apprehensive tension from off-key tones. Backward Improvement marks the addition of a new name in the list of techno's best producers and proves that while the genre may now be in its 40th year there are yet sonic explorations to be made and variations that are worth unearthing.
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2LP
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MTY 006LP
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After a first amazing LP released in 2020 (MTY 003LP), Mama Told Ya put UF095 in charge once again, but this time, she said: "You've got 10 tracks to blow our mind sweetie. Use your difference to make the difference." Same high-potential kid, no different outcome. And same singularity! Ride with UF095 and learn some good shit about weird techno, IDM, and early gabber. Use Your Difference To Make The Difference brings you through one deep introspection looking for your own uniqueness: please explore yourself. For this new Mama Told Ya LP, the fury(ous) artwork has been commissioned to French digital artist, sltcamille. Her ability to tell melancholic fantasy stories let us all stand in awe. Diplomatie Studio took care of the design, mastering was entrusted to Sixbitdeep -- no difference here. No doubt that with this second album released on the label, UFO95 shows once again that he has something more. A little ounce of digression that makes him very unmistakable. "Wet for it" features ANETHA.
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2LP
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MTY 003LP
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Paris-based DJ and producer Anetha's enigmatic label Mama Told Ya is a collaborative venture. Pushing artists out of their comfort zone to new heights of experimentation and creativity, yielding progressive results that challenge and intrigue. The next instalment comes in the form of a kaleidoscopic debut release as a double-vinyl pack from French producer and A/V artist UFO95, titled Popularity Is Overrated. This will be the first double EP on the label, with previous records released as split EP four-tracker collaborations with artists and Anetha herself, including Niki Istrefi, Hadone, ABSL, and Sugar. UFO95 is a French electronic music producer, who finds his roots in '90s techno, UK jungle, and also through IDM, creating a unique tribal sound. His lives (live; live A/V) are like his music, dynamic and really hypnotizing. He releases his debut LP Popularity Is Overrated on Anetha's label, Mama Told Ya. As well, Anetha collaborates with a different visual artist on each project; Recsoverto takes center stage on the cover for this release, who combines ethereal visuals parodying Japanese video games and hyper-real typography. The record is beautifully eclectic and has the effortless feel of a live set from a promising new producer. Opener "Sun S4lutation" is a silky melodic affair, diving into a runaway breakbeat with a hypnotic edge crafting an effortlessly colorful trip. "2am" is a tense nosedive into techno's heady mutations, harnessing a prevailing kick and wormhole synths. Up next is the masterful collaborative track with Anetha "On/Offline". The track starts with an infectious energy, before vocal inflections and a dreamy hyper-real synth melody blend to hypnotic heights, transporting the listener to an open-air rave. "Should I Go" is heady and bold in its brutal drum work and twisting synths, "Enchanted Forest" is playful and addictive, "Rrkja" starts wild until heavenly synths glow around the edges, and "OE" carries the sentiment of amalgamation with a fierce kick drum and a symphonic chorus. Ending on a rough edged high, closer "Volcano" takes an IDM approach with glitchy drums, weaving synths, and groovy vocal inflections.
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