Published by Davide Pappalardo on September 27, 2018
NX1 is the techno-minded output of the Spanish producers Samot (Tomas Bernabe) and Surit (Joan Sureda), the names behind the independent label Nexe Records. Since 2011, they delivered a plethora of EPs and singles released for labels like Nexus Records itself, Digital Reflection, Odd Even, and others. A sound moving between classic techno, EBM, industrial, encompassing different elements concurring to the Zeitgeist of today’s scene.
Now they publish their 3-track 12” vinyl BT for BITE, the label created by Hayden Payne aka Phase Fatale and Florian Engerling in order to present to the world different artists showcasing their idea of techno music. Since the start of this summer they published three works: the collaboration between Phase Fatale and Silent Servant Confess , Teste‘s EP The Box Man, and SΛRIN‘s 12” Kuleshov Effect.
Different takes on techno with industrial and EBM elements, showcasing throbbing bass-lines, sharp synth-sounds and personal touches giving freedom to experiment with old-school EBM, post-punk influences, and even electro-pop inspired moments.
In BT the duo focuses on cutting EBM rhythms, stomping drum machines and dark soundscapes, delivering an engaging techno-industrial sound aiming to conquer any alternative club. The result is an unrelenting piece of music perfectly following suit with the previous outputs of the label, and keeping the identity of the project at the same time.
BT1 starts the work with its distorted, grinding bass-lines and factory-like soundscapes, recalling names like Ansome with its techno-locomotive made of frantic movements and obsessive kick-drums. A perfectly timed combination of percussion and distortion guides us during the track, giving us a fine example of modern techno-industrial.
BT2 showcases a dark techno mantra with minimal rhythmic patterns and ominous sampled vocals, then it evolves into a thundering juggernaut made of growing tension, ready to deliver a caustic ride hitting hard with its drum sounds. It’s not really hard to imagine the effect this number will have on any dancefloor, promising sweaty nights and ecstatic dances.
BT3 ends our journey by the means of old-school motifs and classic synth-lines, keeping a steady rhythmic pattern among acid atmospheres and droning arpeggiators. The track grows into a mesmerizing techno piece with squeaky melodies and obsessive high-hats and snares. The second half completely shows its nature, totally freeing the energy built upon rhythms and loops of sound.
The BITE series continues with another enthralling release, NX1’s take on techno-industrial music aimed to the dancefloor. Never too dissonant, aggressive, or distorted, never too soft, he shows a precise vision in which classic techno elements are not out of the equation. Lysergic loops, stomping rhythms, nice synth-lines are the main elements in a 3-track piece never overstaying its welcome, and never feeling too short.
Label: BITE
Rating: 8