Review: Techno institution Tresor have tapped Pittsburgh veteran Shawn Rudiman for their 311th release. Over his 20 year career, he's released on esteemed imprints such as 7th City, Matrix, Pittsburgh Tracks and Applied Rhythmic Technology (ART) so he's definitely earned his spot here on the Berlin-based label. A stark homage to the recent history of American electronic music, Rudiman pays his respect in a poignant manner. From the moody tension and suspense of "Too Far Gone" calling to mind Landcruising era Carl Craig, bridging the gap between Chicago acid and Florida electro on "Too Far Gone" or the majestic hi-tech soul of first wave Motor City on "Backwards Tomarrows" through to the evocative IDM interludes such as "KNSR" or "Past The Edge" which call to mind the work of Detroit innovators such as John Beltran or Neil Ollivierra - Rudiman proudly wears his influences on his sleeve yet impressively reinterprets them as his own on this fine release.
Review: In a career spanning almost three decades, Pittsburgh's veteran producer Shawn Rudiman still continues to impress after all this time. He is back on his esteemed Pittsburgh Tracks with .. The Next Planet Over - which follows up last year's tremendous lontimeg player Timespan. A consistent producer throughout his time on the scene, this one is no exception so expect some energetic and unaduleterd analogue soul - as heard on the hypnotic minimalist bounce of "Works On Paper". The pounding, heads-down affair that is "Last Light On" is perfect for those strobed-out moments, while the hi-tech emotions of "Switching Rails" calls to mind the timeless vibe of second wave Detroit - that had all old-school nostalgists like us getting our groove on! Top release.
Review: Shawn Rudiman is proof that quality rather than quantity counts. The US producer doesn't release much, but when he does, it matters. This is the case on Uplink: its undulating groove is supported by an acidic undercurrent, but Rudiman's hands on production approach sees more 303s emerging as the arrangement progresses. The remixes are also of a high quality; Frank Mueller drops an epic version that is propelled by old school break beats and crystalline melody lines, while John Selway contributes two remixes - both of which offer a straighter, more pumping alternative to Mueller's version, without sacrificing the spine-tingling melodic hooks.
Review: Shawn Rudiman's hardware-only live shows are the best-kept secret in techno, and Hardware Survival Techniques captures the energy and rawness of one of his performances. "Dark House" centres on an insistent acid riff and dank drums, while "Sky Above Our Heads" is sparser and more stripped back, the rhythm accompanied by rolling snares. "Time Machine" is based on a similar, 303-fuelled approach, with pitched-down vocals adding to the sense of menace. However, these words merely sketch out Rudiman's arrangements and the true brilliance of his analogue approach, which ensures the drums have an unmistakably raw sound and the filters lack a digital polish, are best experienced at full volume, preferably in a nightclub.
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