Published by Davide Pappalardo on June 7, 2018
It’s always interesting to see the result of a collaborative effort between two artists, even more when one of them is a veteran, and the other one a relatively new new in the game. Will they mix their visions and skills, building something new, different and familiar at the same time, a sonic chimera? Or will they just split the work in different tracks following the different styles? This is the main question in this kind of operations. Luckily for us, we have nothing to fear from Drax Response, the project born from the minds of Drax (German pioneer Thomas P Heckmann) and Blush Response (Joey Gonzalez, one of the most recognized names in the recent wake of techno-industrial).
Here the two artists work as one, crafting a four-track EP called The heart and the stone, published by Adam x‘s label Sonic Groove. The futuristic vibes of Blush Response and the accurate structures and ambiances of Drax are perfectly matched in a techno sound merging the traditional aspects of the genre with dark atmospheres and obsessive basslines. The result is a confirmation of the integration of industrial sounds even into the “conventional” techno world, enhanced by a perfect production and a skillful sound-design.
The heart takes the stone is the first track on side A of the vinyl, a long ride characterized by straight rhythms and hypnotizing snares. The adding of sound and rhythmic layers builds up a minimal crescendo which engages the listener, while futuristic electronics and some industrial elements complete the structure of the grooving piece. There is a kind of cold and resolute elegance in the way the different elements are displayed, and an old-school techno vibe is very present thanks to hit-hats and throbbing basslines.
The stone invokes the body is a pounding and crawling affair, starting more subtle bass sounds and articulate minimal beats. It moves like a snake among the sand, but it suddenly surfaces with riffing effects: soon a punishing drum machine adds electro-industrial soundscapes enforcing the sci-fi atmosphere of the militant episode. Here we have a more abrasive take on the sound of the duo, showing how they have no intention to stick to a familiar route. Still, the track is not a full-front assault, and by the way things are placed, you can always find a link to the past of techno music.
The burden imprisons the mind uses industrial sounds at the beginning, then it adds pounding rhythms, fusing the mechanical structure and the pacey movement. Minimal basslines and stronger, harder drum sounds and distortions take their place, while enthralling snares and chip-like sounds complete the scene. On the background sudden dark soundscapes can be perceived, once again mixing effectively two worlds without ever sounds incoherent or “off”. The second part of the track displays even more robotic elements while keeping the aforementioned sound-design.
The body falters beneath the burden is the last track, and it starts with a hypnotizing rhythm layered on a grooving bassline. Its obsessive structure knows a firm crescendo thanks to the adding of claps and snares, gaining more of an uptempo. A techno affair is now developed, and the looping atmosphere is enriched by some hidden dark sounds and lysergic elements, while bass sounds are not forgotten, A very pleasant club number, and a perfect way to end the EP: it displays all the aforementioned skills in more of a “traditional” setting, nevertheless never shying away from distorted grooves and well placed sharp sounds.
All in all, a techno venture which is the perfect sum of two parts, a collaboration with a clear purpose and scope. Traditional techno structures meet darker innuendos and strong rhythms, keeping both the sci-fi atmospheres and abrasive industrial sounds Blush Response is well know for, and the old-school approach of veteran Drax. The pieces perfectly fit thanks to a sober songwriting which never overdoes things, balancing the two natures into a solid effort. The mutant and open nature of techno music is used as an advantage, exploring different territories, while keeping in mind the club: that’s not to say you will find here shallow efforts, instead the tracks are always skillfully built with interesting sound-designs.
Label: Sonic Groove
Rating: 7,5