Skee Mask: Compro Vinyl 2LP

Finally got our hands on copies of this stunner of a sophomore LP from Munichs premier style mangler / soundboy killer. Skee Mask (ne Brian Mller)s debut LP Shred was one of the most electrifying full-lengths to surface in recent memory, and his consideration for heartfelt melodies, sublime chord changes and a propensity for sculpting deadly rhythms drew instant comparisons to Richard D. James. Except where RDJs total refusal to adhere to stylistic norms have allowed him to flip entire genres on their heads, Skee Mask keeps his heart in the club; happily assimilating with his contemporaries and churning out some of the freshest dancefloor music of the past couple years. While the adventurous-sounding-but-still-very-much-techno Shredfelt like it was about to burst at the seams, Compro finds the monster fully out of its cage, with Mller traversing the full spectrum of ambient, drumnbass and everything in between. Theres something here for everyone to snack on, from electro-acoustic Mille Plateaux-isms (Cerroverb, Vli) to baroque dubstep (Rev8617), Good Lookin brukstep (Flyby VFR, personal fave of the set), slo-elektro (Session Add) and snowed-in breakbeat rollage (50 Euro To Break Boost). The 160+ BPM liquid jungle twissups (Via Sub Mids, Soundboy Ext., Kozmic Flush) acknowledge golden era Sub Base and Headz without sounding too retro for their own good. Closing track Calimance [Delay Mix] winds the session down on a tranquil, smoked-out MoWax tip. Come to think of it, theres almost no straight-ahead *techno* tracks anywhere to be found here, and I imagine it’s going to age quite nicelyas a companion piece toShred. Double vinyl pressing includes code for digital download, recommended.

• double vinyl pressing
• digital download included
• music label:Ilian Tape 2018

reviewed bycarparts, bottles & cutlery 07/2018

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