Not So Punk 10"

Description

Portuguese techno architect Backbone debuts on Mutual Rytm sub-label X Backbone hails from Mondim de Basto, a village in the north of Portugal and is one of the leading voices in the country's fertile techno scene. As well as DJing, producing and heading up his own Crulight Records, he also runs Vinculum Festival, a mountain-based gathering that has become an influential event in Portugal's underground landscape. His musical roots lay in jungle and drum & bass but he slowly evolved into techno and moves between instinct and precision, with a strong focus on rhythm, movement and sonic detail. After appearing on this label's Federation of Rytm IV compilation, he now drops Mutual Rytm X's one and only release of the year. The absorbing 'Permanent Pressure' opens with rumbling bass and dusty drums as glitchy textures and icy hi-hats lock into a hypnotic groove. Standout cut 'Zion Gate' builds on that tension with an eerie synth backlight, distant mumbled vocals and a groaning loop that brings a haunting atmosphere. 'Ego Killer' is cloaked in darkness once more with nervy synths hanging over a vast, rolling bassline that consumes everything in its wake and 'Dancing Skeleton' ramps things up with speedy but supple drums and bass that canter under what sounds like a ghoul waking from a slumber. Digital bonus cuts 'Listen To Your Inner Noise' and 'LEX-87' offer two more gripping deep techno grooves decorated with evocative sound designs that map out creepy underworlds.