Published by Davide Pappalardo on September 9, 2018
Russian producer DRAAG is the author of punishing techno music with dark vibes and storming rhythms, not contrary to industrial passages and acid atmospheres. In 2013 he released the 4-track digital ep Jack On Acid for Black Nite, the following year the 2-track vinyl single Occulted for Flexxseal, the same imprint which published the 3-track 12” Cell, his more focused and stomping work to date, in 2016.
Now he debuts with Detox on the Los Angeles based techno label OMEN Recordings, founded by Federico Sanchez and Tanya Leigh in 2016. Here we find even darker and more abrasive techno-industrial stompers with hypnotizing qualities and harsh ambiances underlined by majestic atmospheres. Expect obsessive snare-drums, conquering bass sounds, and cutting industrial moments with noise elements, in a new evolution of his sound steadily marching toward grim territories.
The Title track welcomes us with crispy effects and a thundering bass, growing fast into a techno number made for sweaty dancefloors and acid nights. Shrilling lines and factory-like sharp background-sounds are the ground of a ritualistic mantra for post-modern ravers, a grim affair with imposing motifs. By mouth follows suit with its dark soundscapes and frantic rhythmic patterns, delivering a techno-ride with obsessive snares and sci-fi bass-lines moving through the noisy brave new world we have found. The rules of engagement are clear: this is dark techno music made to make us move, but not without a clear attention for sound-design and grooving structures.
The third track Acidosis (found only in the digital version) dwells into almost dark ambient passages, using its bombastic rhythm as a drill exploring the morose soundscape. It experiences an enthralling crescendo in which new rhythms and elements are added, reaching a devastating industrial mantra made of steel-like beats and disorienting arpeggiators. The dominating bass sounds grow in intensity, and a euphoric acid stream is the main theme of the last part of the piece.
The work ends with remixes by two OMEN Recordings signature artists: Detox is reworked by Ayarcana into an even heavier and angrier affair with rhythmic-noise vibes and destructive rhythms, adding sharp bass-lines and galvanizing patterns aimed toward dancefloor-mayhem, while Acidosis is taken by American producer Axkan and converted into a crawling track in which dissonant passages move together with obsessive rhythmic structures interspersed with robust snare sounds and droning static noises.
DRAAG adds a new dimension to his personal brand of techno music, fully embracing in Detox the darker and more abrasive side of the genre. Grim atmospheres and bleak soundscapes are the founding ground upon which hypnotizing rhythms and hard sounds are layered, guiding the listener in a compulsive ride with almost lysergic aspects. OMEN Recordings continues with its series of great techno-industrial releases, adding to its rooster another quality name deserving recognition from the genre. Gladly recommended.
Label: OMEN Recordings
Rating: 7,5