Review: Zreik previously released with music on Knotweed with his studio partner as Dying & Barakat, but he flies solo for this EP on sister imprint Decision Making Theory. Musically it's not a huge leap, with many of the nuances and aesthetic of Knotweed writ large here. "Inner Space" is a high-paced Detroit techno affair, led by rattling, steely percussion and populated by a mysterious synth line. On "Reason to Believe", Zreik travels down a more foreboding path, with its minimal growl and a complex, steely rhythm that sounds similar to the darker side of Terrence Dixon's material - who is also a Knotweed artist. On "In My Mind", he reverts to a deeper approach but on this occasion, the rhythm is more dense and the electronic riffs rise hypnotically through the arrangement.
Review: There's a serious message running through the latest release on Decision Making Theory. The work of label owner Philippe Petit, it states that humanity is witnessing 'a meltdown' and that we will be left to deal with the aftermath. By way of a soundtrack, there's the knotted, acid-heavy "Causes", while the title track is a heads-down, relentless affair that just keeps on building. Thankfully though, it's not all bad news; closing track "Consequences" offers some solace. Despite cruises along at 130bpm, its layered, building chords and scatter gun percussion create a euphoric Detroit-style finale to this socially aware EP.
Review: Lee Holman has been leading the Irish techno scene since the late '90s, with his uncompromising underground ethos. Performing both as a DJ and a live act, his releases have appeared on labels such as Another Earth, Orbis and CLFT in recent times. Not to mention founding the Kawl Imprint, with its aim to provide diversity in techno. His new release on Philippe Petit's Decision Making Theory sees Holman on point as always, with these powerfully effective DJ tools that respectfully take their cues from the legendary Axis/Purposemaker sound. From the austere "Provider" with its mesmerising chime melody, the hypnotic "Disarmament" supported by mental and ethereal elements or the deep sonar transmission of "Eagles In A Cage" geared for those 'heads down' moments. All in all, these are all surefire weapons for the most clandestine of warehouse parties.
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