Review: Following his collaboration with RBBTS last year, Noir returns to his own label with this solo release. As one of the most consistent house and techno producers of the past two decades, it comes as no surprise that Distant is a melodic, atmospheric affair. The title track resounds to dramatic synths and epic builds, unfolding over staccato drums and steely percussion. "Spinner" is a different proposition. Eschewing the dance floor, it builds slowly and gradually. Moving from an intro of dreamy tones, Noir adds in humming bass pulses and breathy pads. It underlines again Noir's talent when it comes to composing emotive electronic music.
Review: Berlin-based vocalist and producer Davis had reached the cusp of dance music's mainstream with his artist albums on Punkt and Kitty-Yo, but this collaboration with Noir should give him the push he needed. The vocals sound more robust and darker than his sometime frail outpourings and are reminiscent of Depeche Mode's Dave Gahan at his most pensive; coupled with Noir's pulsing bass, lyrics like 'we're scared of being found out' pushes Davis into a darker but ultimately more accessible place. The duo haven't forgotten the dance floor and the club version sees them maintain their underground credibility with a glitchy, acidic reshape.
Review: Noir aka Ren? Kristensen took a year off from releasing music because, in his own words, he wanted 'time to breathe, to think and most importantly time to be creative and to experiment.' On this, his come back single, it sounds like he benefited from the break. The aptly-named "Eruption" explodes from the speakers with noisy, grizzly bass, rolling snares and hammering kicks. Just as the listener is getting used to this onslaught, Kristensen then drops an ice-cold, mesmerising synth riff. The title track is more pacey, with Noir using blustering filters, doubled up beats and medieval chants, but the arrangement isn't as intense as "Eruption". Still, it sounds like the year off did him a lot of good.
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